Alternative Spring Break

23Mar10

Spring Break is generally a time when people pack their bags and migrate to warmer weather to soak up the sun. However, a few college groups are skipping the stereotypical spring break for an alternative one. Luckily we received about five college groups who spent their alternative spring break in Cedar Rapids, rebuilding after the flood.

For the past two weeks the VISTA Corridor Recovery program welcomed students from Emerson College, Iowa State University, Rutgers University and Westminster College over their Spring Breaks. Each group brought around 15 students and staff to work on a variety of tasks in Cedar Rapids. While here the groups, whose skill varied, worked on multiple jobs. During week 1 of spring break, Emerson completed a muck and gut job, but they were also broken up to work on other smaller jobs. These jobs included chipping paint from a house and mudding and sanding a basement. On a personal note I was thrilled to see my alma mater’s ASB program come work with us. I had participated in a number of ASB trips during my college years and I loved being able to spend time with some old and new friends. Westminster College was also here during the first week of spring break and while they were in town they also worked at various sites including preparing a basement to be mortared.

During the second week, Iowa State brought in highly skilled crews. Because of their talent we were able to give them a lot of technical jobs. They worked on stairs, handrails, porches and framing jobs. This helped to knock out many of the smaller jobs that our volunteers don’t generally have the skill for. The Rutgers group spent much of their time here mortaring the basement that Westminster prepped. They also did a little work at a muck and gut site on their last day.

While the college groups were working with us, we received numerous phone calls from homeowners saying how much they appreciate the students coming in on their break. They also praised the volunteers for how courteous they were and on the quality of their work. We second those homeowner’s thank you and praises. We enjoyed working with all of the groups over their breaks.

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