Volunteers

VOLUNTEERS FOR COMMUNITIES

ALTERNATE SPRING BREAK PROGRAM

Pearisburg hosted 28 students from Boston College and Holy Cross during the week of March 1^st as part of the Volunteers for Communities Alternate Spring Break Program.

While in town the students stayed at the Community Center. They began the week with the cold winter blast and never complained about working outside in the town park.

The week was packed with both work and entertainment. The students installed a new piece of playground equipment that was donated by the Pearisburg Junior Woman’s Club. They also did some mulching around the existing playground equipment and gave the older pieces a fresh coat of paint. They also did work on the walking trail around the park getting it ready to be paved. A dogwood tree was donated by the Salem DAR and planted in the park.

Other work included insulating the attic of the New River Community Action building, painting offices there and repairing some windows and vents. Repair of a town resident’s exterior steps was also done.

Students enjoyed hiking to the Cascades and to Angels Rest and having a bonfire at Whitt Riverbend Park. Other entertainment included karaoke, playing volleyball with members of Giles High School, attending the Dracula drama at Giles High, and a special night of music with Acoustic Crossroads. They also took in some local history at the Andrew Johnston House Museum.

Students spent time with town residents, town employees and many members of local clubs and businesses.

This week would not be possible without the generosity of the local businesses and clubs.

The students commented on the southern hospitality extended to them and many stated that they would like to someday return to Pearisburg.

The town is always looking for projects for the students. If you know of a potential project please feel free to contact the Town Office.

You can click here to see pictures from the 2009 volunteers stay in Pearisburg.