Victoria Panetta of Manhasset spent Thanksgiving Break serving others

2013 Dec 4

Victoria Panetta of Manhasset spent Thanksgiving break serving others as part of JMU's Alternative Thanksgiving Break.

The Alternative Thanksgiving breaks planned by student leaders were in Florida and Washington, D.C. during JMU's Nov. 22-30 break. Instead of returning home to their families and celebrating over turkey and mashed potatoes, the students worked with the homeless and spent time with patients living with HIV/AIDS.

Panetta, a Sociology major, participated in the Heart of Florida United Way trip. Students on the Heart of Florida United Way trip traveled to Orlando, Fla. to work on a variety of daily projects aimed to help Floridians who are less fortunate. Projects included painting, playing with kids, cooking, serving food, tutoring or building.

JMU'S award-winning Alternative Break Program provides learning opportunities for students outside of the classroom where they focus on social issues by interacting with a local nonprofit, living simply and reflecting on the critical issues faced by the people they serve. Trips occur at Thanksgiving, in January, over spring break, in May and on various weekends throughout the year.

For information about JMU's Alternative Break Program, including an interactive map showcasing past service trips and Community Service-Learning, check http://www.jmu.edu/service/.