A different way to spend break

NEWTON — Kathleen Cooney, of Newton, a sophomore at Mount Saint Mary College, was one of 100 college students from across the country who chose to forgo the typical spring break party scene and instead volunteer for community service with children through the United Way Alternative Spring Break program. For one week in March, Cooney slept on a cot in the Boys and Girls Club of Newark and spent her days working at the club and other school sites tutoring children ages 6 to 12 and engaging them in fun, educational activities, as well as sprucing up the facilities. This was the second annual United Way Alternative Spring Break organized by United Way of Northern New Jersey and United Way of Essex and West Hudson to focus on the educational needs of at-risk youth in Newark. The program quadrupled the number of college students participating in its second year. “We applaud these hardworking students who chose to spend their vacation making a difference in the lives of children,” said United Way of Northern New Jersey CEO John Franklin. “We hope they are inspired to consider volunteering a passion they can pursue throughout their lives.” For more information about United Way Alternative Spring Break, visit www.unitedwaynnj.org.