Most students spend spring breaks on the beach, but one group of students spends theirs working for different philanthropic organizations. “Alternative Service Break at LSU” is a service organization giving students the opportunity to volunteer in other communities and for different causes during designated school breaks.ASB at LSU, founded in 2003, is the 92nd organization to become part of the national chapter of “Break Away” — an organization geared to promoting alternative break programs.ASB volunteers will travel this spring break to Greenville, S.C., where they will work with “Homes of Hope” — a group building houses for low-income or homeless individuals, while also providing job training and mentoring for men with former drug or alcohol addictions.”We’ll be building homes during the day, as well as talking to the guys in the mentoring program at night,” said Aryaz Sheybani, biology senior and site leader for the trip. “These are men who have had some difficulties in their life and are undergoing a type of rehab.”Kathy Smith, math senior and ASB finance chair, said the goal is to help get people back on their feet. “If you’re unemployed, it’s nice to have someone to talk to,” Smith said.Smith said 20 people are signed up for the trip so far, which is the largest group she’s seen during her time with the organization. Groups typically have between eight and 12 volunteers.”We don’t really put a limit on the amount of people who can come,” she said. “As long as we have people willing to drive, they are welcome to join.”The trip will last from April 5 to April 10, and the volunteers will depart from campus by carpool.The trip will cost around $75 per person for the entire stay, Smith said. Volunteers will be staying at a local church for free so the money will go toward gas and groceries.Sheybani said the group tries to pick a destination within 10 hours of driving, so it’s “not too close and not too far.”Examples of previous trips include Lexington, Va., to work in Washington and Lee University’s Campus Kitchens Project and Galveston, Texas, to participate in restoration work after Hurricane Ike.Smith said she’s been working with ASB for three years and enjoys the chance to make an impact. “It’s a great opportunity to give back to the community when you have the free time,” Smith said. “And it’s also fun.”Smith said the trips aren’t entirely spent working.  “There is always time for normal spring break things,” Smith said. “In my first trip to St. Louis, we were working with Campus Kitchens, we went shopping, ice skating and even saw the play ‘Wicked.'”Sheybani said he’s never had a bad experience on a trip.”Sometimes it’s fun to put yourself in a group of people you don’t know,” Sheybani said. “It’s never as awkward as you think, and you get to meet people from all walks of life. It’s a nice slice of all of LSU.”Smith said she enjoys the service aspect.”You actually get to see the people you’re helping,” she said.Jenny Kornuta, ASB overall chair and mass communication senior, said the trips usually have long-lasting results.”I’ve been on three trips during my time in ASB,” Kornuta said. “Each experience not only brought me so much closer than I ever expected to be with the other trip participants, but it also provided me with a unique perspective into issues effecting communities all over nation.”Kornuta said she recommends the trip for people who enjoy road trips, community service and getting to know people.”It’s a cheap vacation that provides you with an unforgettable and life-changing experience that you get to experience with a group of unique and compassionate people,” she said.For more information or to sign-up for the trip, visit ASB at LSU’s Web site or e-mail the group at [email protected].—–Contact Sarah Eddington at [email protected]