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A group of students from Soka University of America chose to participate in an alternative “working” spring break at CHRISTUS Our Daily Bread in Galveston, Texas from March 16-19. Many students traveled to Galveston to help clean-up and rebuild from Hurricane Ike. They helped organize the pantry, closets, prepared meals, and served Our Daily Bread’s clients.

Soka University of America, located in Aliso Viejo, CA, is a four-year non-profit liberal arts college and graduate school which were founded on the principals of peace, human rights and the sanctity of life. The students who participate in an alternative spring break, a volunteer opportunity for students to work in communities instead of taking a vacation, receive no college credit and have to fund their way. Michele Hobby, Director of Student Activities and Residential Life, stated that the students underwent six weeks of training on working with homelessness and at-risk youth. Another four weeks was spent fundraising to cover the travel expenses of 29 students and 3 staff members. Michelle said “Soka means to create value, and each student participating in Galveston feels privileged to give back to their communities.”

Linda Coleman, Director of CHRISTUS Our Daily Bread, walked with a smile as she watched the students working at Our Daily Bread. “It’s so nice to know that these students care, and that they chose to come to Our Daily Bread,” said Linda. On the final day the students received sincere thanks from CHRISTUS Our Daily Bread staff and clients, and were each given certificates for the services performed in the Galveston community.