Students take a charitable break

Students from Minnesota State University in Moorhead donated a week of their spring break to help with the Habitat House under construction in Sisters.

For many college students, spring break means a week-long vacation at a warm, sunny beach. But last week, 10 students from Minnesota spent their spring break doing something entirely different from the stereotype. They donated their time to come to Sisters and work on the Habitat for Humanity house currently under construction.

The collegians were from Minnesota State University at Moorhead, which is across the river from Fargo, North Dakota. Working in the wind and snow of Central Oregon didn't seem to faze them.

"You call this snow?" one of them scoffed, referring to a light dusting that had accumulated the night before. "In Minnesota, this is nothing."

They spent their nights at the Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church, and had shower privileges donated by both of the athletic clubs in town. Several of the students had worked on various Habitat projects in Dallas, Duluth, and Minneapolis before, while for others, it was a new experience.

When asked why they donated their spring break to work instead of play, Amanda Pfeifer replied, "Habitat for Humanity is doing good work, and we want to be a part of helping people. Besides, it's not all work. We have fun together, and it's an inexpensive way to travel and see a beautiful place."

Those who gave a week of their spring break were: Brenda Braun, Holly Triska, Amanda Snyder, Kim Sandbulte, Katie Geray, Jaydey Hansen, Adam Walz, Amanda Pfeifer, Nicolas Michea, and Brandon Sherman.

"They were so helpful," said Jackie Kolb, who will be occupying the residence on East St. Helens Avenue. "They hung drywall and worked hard, but I especially appreciated their spirit. I wish they had something like this when I was that age."