Centenary students and staff serve veterans during alternative spring break

SHREVEPORT, LA — Sixteen members of the Centenary community participated in the Fuller Center Veterans Blitz Build during the week of March 25.

"We've had some great alternative break mission trips around the country and internationally in Mexico, the Bahamas, and Belize," said Reverend Betsy Eaves, Director of UMC Relations and Chaplain of Centenary College. "But it's always nice to do something in our own backyard. Additionally, I'm always impressed by students who give up their spring break to give to others. We're learning that this is how you live a meaningful life."

Four houses for post-9/11 veterans are being constructed over a span of 75 days at a worksite in the Stoner Hill area of Shreveport. Twelve students and four staff members elected to hammer nails, cut boards, and install particleboard siding and trusses for the Fuller Build project through an Alternative Spring Break that coincided with Centenary's Spring Break.

Sophomore Paige Pritchett was happy to have the opportunity to participate in a Shreveport-area service event.

"Two years ago, I moved to Shreveport to attend Centenary and have since come to see Shreveport as a home. It's a great feeling giving back to my community through this alternative spring break."

The Fuller Center for Housing is a is faith driven non-profit organization based out of Americus, Georgia, that promotes partnerships in order to establish shelter for people in need worldwide.

The Christian Leadership Center and Chaplain's Office have been promoting local, regional, and international mission trips since 2005. For more information, visit Centenary's upcoming mission opportunities online.