Pennsylvania college students sacrifice spring break to serve BG

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – One do-gooder-gang from Gannon University in Erie, Pennsylvania called Bowling Green’s Habitat for Humanity, wanting to sacrifice their spring breaks for a selfless cause. 

A few hours on the road later, and this Monday the group young adults grabbed their power saws and pressure washers and headed to 127 11th Avenue West.

Habitat for Humanity project coordinator Iver Alenciks said, “I’ve been with Habitat for about 2.5 years now, and this group has been on it. They’re one of the better groups that I’ve worked with from the standpoint of willing to do anything and eager to learn and enthusiastic and fun to be with.”

From painting and sweeping to flooring and technical installation, Gannon’s finest have put their hearts and souls into this townhome for a family who hasn’t even been named yet. 

This is one small part in a Habitat for Humanity project to help over 400 families in Bowling Green.

While the students are leaving their mark on Southcentral Kentucky, our towns are leaving an impression on them, too.

Gannon student Mia Ambuski said, “We started in Cave City and did a tour of Mammoth Cave. When we first got to Bowling Green, the first thing we wanted to do when we got here was walk around the town square. We tried Spencer’s Coffee. We went to the local insomnia cookies around 10 or 11 at night. We’ve just met a lot of really cool people here.”

Fellow student Katie Bybowski agreed that the experience is one they’ll never forget.

“I think service goes both ways,” said Bybowski. “It not only a benefit for the community but for all of us who came here to work. We’re all here for a reason, and helping out is something definitely needed not just for this community, but for us as well.”

The Gannon University students will pack up their tool boxes and head back to Pennsylvania this weekend.