FreshMinistries hosts Alternative Spring Break group from North Carolina

Students from Appalachian State University located in Boone, North Carolina, came to Jacksonville to help serve and mentor Jacksonville's urban core for their Spring Break March 7-13.

The group decided to come to Jacksonville based on its poverty rate and other vital statistics. Since FreshMinistries is working in the heart of one of Jacksonville's most impoverished communities, the Eastside, Michelle Hughes at FreshMinistries coordinated the students' activities.

“It’s been a really great experience,” said Melina Lavecchia, one of the students. “The team has been able to use our energy and happiness to do something great and serve the community. I think we really impacted some children and we touched each other."

The students volunteered at various locations in Jacksonville's urban core, including the Sanctuary on 8th Street, Carpenter's Shop Center, HabiJax, the East Jacksonville Neighborhood Resource Center and the Police Athletic League.

"Everyone put in 110 per cent," said Lavecchia. "I hope we were able to inspire others."

See more photos of the students here.

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