Six Alfred State College (ASC) students and a pair of staff members spent spring break working with Habitat for Humanity in Myrtle Beach, SC. The trip was part of the Alternative Spring Break service initiative coordinated through the Center for Civic Leadership.
Heather Craft, administrative assistant for the civil, mechanical, and electrical engineering technology departments along with her daughter Amy Evingham, administrative assistant in the student records and financial services department, led the trip along Mamadou Barry (Rochester, NY), Elijah Beckford-Mack (New York, NY), Jaelyn Benjamin-Wilson (Allegany, NY), Liam Cass (Fairport, NY), Aidan Lenz (Orchard Park, NY), and Abby Lewandowski (Nunda, NY). Craft, Evingham and Barry have participated in similar trips in the past.
“I have continued to participate on service trips because I enjoy representing Alfred State and working towards a common goal together with our students,” commented Craft. “The personal growth and positive feeling of giving is priceless.”
The group worked on two different homes during their week in Horry County. They placed sod and landscaped at the first home before painting trim, ceilings, and walls of the second home. The team spent a great deal of time installing vinyl siding.
Evingham added, “My favorite part of the trip was seeing the students come together, not only through teamwork but also in the friendships they developed. It was rewarding to watch those connections grow while also seeing the progress and impact we made each day.”
"On behalf of all of us at Habitat for Humanity of Horry County, I would like to again thank you and your students for a wonderful week,” said the Development & Volunteer Specialist, Betty Kuvinka. “It is truly heartwarming to see college students volunteer their time in support of our mission. We deeply appreciate all that you contributed, and it was inspiring to watch as the home began to take shape. The homebuyers were in awe of the progress made.”
On top of working on the houses, the team participated in a dorm room design contest at the Habitat for Humanity ReStore facility. “We were tasked with designing a dorm room for auction out of items around the store,” recalled Cass. “We won first place and received a goat trophy to show for it.”
Kuvinka added, "Congratulations to the group on your win in our Design A Dorm Challenge! You were incredibly resourceful in selecting fantastic ReStore items to create a well-designed and functional space. Your creativity and thoughtful choices truly stood out!"
The group returned to campus excited with their opportunity to work with Habitat for Humanity and encourage others to take the opportunity to experience what they did.
“This trip was a great experience to meet new people, expand my knowledge, and to push me out of my comfort zone,” commented Lewandowski.
Benjamin-Wilson added, “Trips like this are a great opportunity to work hands-on and see firsthand how much of a difference you are making, especially when you meet the homeowner and learn about them and their family.”
This trip marked the twelfth time in the last thirteen years that an Alfred State group has worked with Habitat for Humanity during spring break.
Additional Quotes:
Liam Cass – “I was interested in doing something productive and meaningful with my break. If you are looking to challenge yourself socially and physically and are willing to put in the effort to do the best work, you are capable of, the trip would be a great fit for you.”
Heather Craft – “My favorite part about the trip were seeing the ‘after’ of what we all accomplished together. We grew as a ‘little family’ and had many memorable moments.”
Amy Evingham - “Service trips like this give people the chance to make a meaningful difference while building connections and gaining hands-on experience. It’s a rewarding way to contribute to a community and be part of something bigger than yourself.”
Jaelyn Benjamin-Wilson – “I decided to go on this trip because it is a great opportunity to make a difference in a community and see firsthand how much our contributions help.”