MacNeil Repairs Damaged Homes in New Orleans

MANCHESTER, NH (02/21/2012)(readMedia)-- Kristen MacNeil, a senior communication major at Saint Anselm College, spent her winter break in New Orleans, Louisiana repairing the homes of families who were victims of storm damage during Hurricane Katrina.

MacNeil led a group of 16 students from Saint Anselm who volunteered with Operation Helping Hands, an organization of Catholic Charities that brings together volunteers to paint and rebuild homes devastated by flooding.

"The culture is fascinating and the people are full of pride and love for the city," said MacNeil.

MacNeil and her group are a part of Saint Anselm College's Service & Solidarity Missions program. The program consists of student-led service trips overseen by Campus Ministry during winter, spring, and summer breaks. Now in its 22nd year, Service and Solidarity Missions will send 216 students on 16 trips in 10 states, and to Washington, D.C., Costa Rica, and Honduras throughout the year.

MacNeil, who has participated in three of the service trips, can't imagine doing anything else with her time off from school. "The trips have really expanded my education at Saint Anselm College."