TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- As an alternative to traditional spring break destinations, The University of Alabama Community Service Center is organizing a Hurricane Relief Trail for spring break 2006 as a way to help those affected by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

The Alternative Spring Break destination will be southern Mississippi where students, faculty, staff and other community volunteers will assist with hurricane relief efforts still going on in the region. The volunteers will help clear rubble and rebuild Christ Church in Bay St. Louis, Miss. Participants already include faculty members from the UA College of Continuing Studies as well as volunteers from the Wesley Foundation.

The application deadline is Feb. 6; applications are available at www.volunteer.ua.edu.

The volunteer team is scheduled to leave Tuscaloosa on Saturday, March 18, and return Wednesday, March 22. The cost is $150 and this includes accommodations, three meals a day, transportation and a few fun activities. Volunteers can participate in excursions in the evening where they get to know the residents of the community and their families.

For more information, contact the CSC in 355 Ferguson at 205/348-2865 or mbates@bama.ua.edu.