While most students spend their spring break catching up on sleep or catching some sun down South, a special group of Kent State University students are putting their time and energy to good use here at home. Students from across the Kent State University eight-campus system are coming to Columbiana County March 21-27 as part of the University’s “Alternative Spring Break” program. The week-long event pairs teams of college students with area non-profit organizations. Each day, students will head out to a work site and volunteer their time. This year team’s will restore playgrounds in East Liverpool and continue work at Hellbender Bluff, 740 acres of a strip mined that is being reclaimed and turned into a new park. Last year students stayed at Kent State Salem and worked throughout the county. This year, students will sleep at Kent State East Liverpool and shower at the East Liverpool YMCA. They will visit area attractions such as Homer Laughlin China Company and the Lou Holtz Hall of Fame. In the evening, students will participate in programs put on by Kent State faculty and staff. These programs include learning more about the health and environmental issues and other challenges Appalachian counties face.  If you are interested in participating in this year’s Alternative Spring Break please sign up http://explore.kent.edu/ksunited/index.html or email Rachael Esterly with questions at resterly@kent.edu.