LIMA—Members of the Newman Catholic Association from The Ohio State University at Lima and James A. Rhodes State College traveled to Kentucky to spend their spring break serving others.

From left, members of the Newman Catholic Association from Lima who participated in the alternative spring break trip are Felicia Boham, Jenna Dancer, Cory Coleman, Desiray Goedde, Adam Steinbrunner, Isabel Ortiz, Jenny Honigford, Jessica Beutler, Nikki Baldauf, campus minister Sandy Connell and Katie Baker. (Photo courtesy of Sandy Connell)

During the week, eleven men and women from the Catholic campus ministry group in Lima built and remodeled houses to help the poverty-stricken people in the mountains of Appalachia.

They worked with The Christian Appalachian Project, an organization that provides a “work fest” as an alternative spring break trip. Students from six universities participated.

The students found when they gave to those in need they also received something spiritual themselves. At the end of the trip when approximately 100 volunteers gathered to recollect the week and discuss their efforts, there was not a dry eye in the building.

The mission trip was made possible by donations from the Tom Ahl Family of Dealerships, All Service Glass, Catholic Healthcare Partners through St. Rita’s Medical Center and several individuals.