Westland Observer: 2 Westland residents volunteer during Alternative Spring Break

Two Westland residents are among 14 metro Detroit volunteers who are giving at least a week of their time volunteering for United Way's Alternative Spring Break 2007.

Brandon Hannah and Kristen Lewis will be in Lake Charles, La., to help in the long-term recovery efforts to rebuild the Gulf Coast area still devastated by the 2005 hurricanes. United Way for Southeastern Michigan is taking the volunteers to Lake Charles, La., for one week -- March 10-17.

Alternative Spring Break is sponsored by FedEx and GameStop/EB Games. MTV is serving as the media partner, promoting the program and filming a documentary called "The Amazing Break," which will air the weekend of March 23.

Hannah, 24, of Westland, is a foster care case manager with Catholic Social Services. He received a degree in social work from Madonna University in 2005 and works closely with children. He and his wife are expecting their first child in July.

Hannah feels a special connection with those impacted by the hurricane's devastation, since he has family living in New Orleans and the Louisiana area.

"Everyone knows somebody who was affected by the hurricanes," said Hannah. "We cannot forget that this is a long-term project to help rebuild the lives of many who were displaced during the hurricane. I feel that everyone can help in some way and Alternative Spring Break is my opportunity to give back."

This is not the first time Hannah volunteered out of state. He volunteered in Morelia, Mexico, for two weeks while in college, working in a soup kitchen and providing play therapy at the local Children's Hospital.

"I would hope that if anything happened to me, someone would be there to help. I would like to do the same."

Lewis, 20, of Westland, is a sophomore at University of Michigan-Dearborn. She is excited to join Alternative Spring Break, saying she has always wanted to make a difference in someone's life.

"United Way is committing to making a difference and seeks out the best college students," she said. "Their dedication to helping others is what attracted me to the opportunity."

Lewis is studying political science and public relations and works as a cashier at Best Buy. In her spare time, she is the service coordinator for her sorority, Delta Phi Epsilon, and teaches catechism classes at St. Dunstan's Church in Garden City.

Some 300 college students from across the country will be participating in Alternative Spring Break during March. Its goal is to inspire young people to engage in community service during their spring vacations.

This year's volunteers will clear debris, restore local schools and nature trails, and repair some of the more than 1,700 homes that still have blue roofs, which are temporary FEMA tarps that prevent further damage. United Way of Southwest Louisiana will provide volunteer housing and project support.

"United Way's Alternative Spring Break is a great way to engage young people to make a lasting difference in our country," said Michael J. Brennan, president and CEO, United Way for Southeastern Michigan. "Families affected by the 2005 hurricanes are still recovering from the devastation. The progress that will be made by the collective action of these committed volunteers, and the lives they will touch through their efforts, is an amazing example of what can be done when we work together."

This is the second year for Alternative Spring Break. In 2006, United Way of America partnered with thinkMTV to create Storm Corps to help those directly affected by the 2005 hurricanes. Nearly 100 volunteers traveled to Biloxi, Miss., and Foley, Ala., to remove debris from yards, repair porches and roofs, tear out walls and rebuild a youth recreation center.

"I never knew I could learn to do so many things to help make abig difference," said Brian Sawyer, who participated in last year's efforts and will be returning this year as a team leader. "It was the greatest experience and the most inspiring of my life. I learned that anyone with determination and passionto make a difference can.

"This year I hope to gain the commitment of other young adults like me to come back motivated to build our own communities stronger."

"You don't have to go far to make a difference," Brennan said. "There are lots of opportunities to give back right here at home. What you get in return is the priceless gift of helping others."

To learn more about year-round volunteer opportunities, go online to www.uwsem.org/ and click on "Get Involved" or call United Way's 2-1-1.

[Source]