While high school students typically associate Spring Break with trips, fun and relaxation, 50+ teens recently joined Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties for the 9th Annual Alternative Spring Break (ASB) March 13-17, and dedicated hundreds of hours of community service to 12 local nonprofit organizations.
ASB is a free, annual opportunity offered by BGCSDC for all Sarasota County high school students to experience, discuss, and understand community issues in a meaningful way while earning community service hours.
“Connecting with like-minded peers to make a positive impact in our community is the best way I could possibly spend my spring break. Our generation is the future of this country. We must pay it forward and give back to the community that built us.” - Sierra M., Riverview High School, 11th grade.
Projects included; packing and distributing food for local families in need with All Faiths Food Bank; prepping horses for classes at Prospect Riding Center, assisting with a 100th birthday celebration at Senior Friendship Centers, organizing a car wash for family and youth transport vehicles at Children First, and park beautification activities at various Sarasota County Parks, Recreation & Natural Resources sites.
“I loved attending ASB! I was able to volunteer at new places around the community and make new friends. I can’t wait to come back next year!” - said Olivia B., Sarasota High School, 10th grade.
Other community partners who benefited from student volunteer efforts included Cat Depot, Easterseals Academy, Harvest House, The Pines of Sarasota, and Salvation Army of Sarasota County.
“The 9th annual Alternative Spring Break exceeded my expectations. This was one of the best groups I have had the pleasure to work with. Thank you to the many community partners who collaborated with us to make it a huge success.” - Geoffry Gilot, BGCSDC Senior Teen Activities Coordinator.
