Group helps storm victims over break

Not content to simply relax and treat spring break as a respite from school, some members of IU Habitat for Humanity spent the week working to better the lives of people in need.\n"We accomplished so much in that week, and I felt more energized when I got back to campus than after my usual lazy spring breaks," said IU Habitat board member Jessica Donaldson in an e-mail.\n"I met so many awesome people and really feel like I made a difference," she said. "My favorite part of the build was putting up the trusses. ... It was a good test of trust because we were standing on boards where the ceiling would be, usually with nothing but the concrete floor below us." \nEach year, Habitat for Humanity sends groups of college students to building sites in the South during spring break. By sending students to places like Florida, the group hopes to gain the interest of more potential student builders. \nHabitat member and IU student Sean Fick said by going on a Habitat trip, students don't miss out on the spring break experience.\n"Work gets done early (in the) afternoon, and the rest of the time you are free to do whatever you'd like," he said. "You don't miss the parties or the normal attractions of spring break, but at the same time, you are doing something truly great for someone."\nFor many spring breakers, one of the greatest attractions of the builds is the opportunity to meet the future inhabitant of the home being built. Many of those receiving help from Habitat spend time at the build sites and often express their gratitude for the students' contributions. \nFick described his experience at the Sebring, Fla., build site. \n"It was actually one older gentleman who owned the property," he said. "The trailer he had lived in previously was destroyed in one of the hurricanes. He was pretty hilarious, always hanging around while we built and telling some interesting jokes." \nIU student Shannon Cullerton also said the recipients of the house she worked on were grateful. \n"The woman and her daughter stopped by one day," said Cullerton, who went to Wauchula, Fla. "They were so grateful (and) made us two amazing sweet potato pies."\nMany Habitat members said they go on multiple trips and come back feeling they have accomplished something.\n"The feeling you get when you are hands-on building a home for someone to live in is amazing. Just making a tiny difference hits you hard and will stay with you," Cullerton said. \nHabitat for Humanity, a Christian charity founded in 1976, is known for its contributions to the disadvantaged. Members range from college students around the world to celebrities such as former U.S. President Jimmy Carter.