While some people will use their Thanksgiving breaks to go home and earn money or socialize with family and friends, some students will spend their time helping others.

The Student Volunteer Center in the Newman Catholic Center offers the students an “alternative Thanksgiving break,” so those students who are too involved with classes during the semester still have the opportunity to make a difference, Holly Walters, campus minister and Student Volunteer Center coordinator of the Newman Catholic Center, said.

This year students will have the opportunity to take a five-day trip to Port Ministries in Chicago to help in the homeless shelter, soup kitchen, food pantry and family shelter, Walters said. They also will cook and serve a Thanksgiving dinner.

“For people who want to work directly with people, this would be a great opportunity,” Walters said.

For those who want to stay closer to Charleston, there is an opportunity to work with the Habitat for Humanity house for five days, Walters said. Habitat for Humanity is building a house in Mattoon, and students can spend their Thanksgiving breaks working on that house.

Mike Ochs, a sophomore finance and speech communication major, worked on the Habitat for Humanity house last year in Battle Creek, Mich. Ochs said he enjoys building and helping people, so this a great opportunity for him.

“I went last year, but since we have our own house, we’re just going to stay here,” he said.

The trip to Chicago will be $25, which will cover travel expenses. Lodging at Port Ministries is free, Walters said.

There is no fee to work on the Habitat for Humanity house and lunch will be provided, Walters said.

There is financial assistance for the Chicago trip available at the Student Volunteer Center, Walters said.

Students interested in attending either of the trips should contact the Student Volunteer Center in the Newman Catholic Center at 348-0188 by Nov. 5.