by Marc Everhart

All semester, students dream about going home for winter break. Then it finally gets here, and you’re stuck at the house bored for a month. Quincy University is offering mission trip opportunities for students that coincide with the winter break. From December 11-17, there are two service learning opportunities that students can earn up to 28 service learning hours. Project Christmas Angel in Blioxi, MS is a trip where students work with Blioxi flood victims, as well as the Adopt-a-kid program. This trip has 50 available spots, and will cost students $250 dollars, with an additional $25 to purchase a gift for those who are less fortunate.
The Mission Street Ministry trip is located in Chicago, Illinois. With this trip, students will be working with the Mission of Our Lady of the Angels and the Franciscans of the Eucharist. The main focus of this work is impoverished, inner city neighborhoods in Chicago at an after school program for kids. The cost is $250 dollars as well, and spots are open to 13 students.
These mission trips are an excellent way to keep the Franciscan spirit alive in your personal life, and get some service learning hours out of the way as well. The cost of the trips include food, shelter, and transportation, no extra money is needed. In certain instances, partial scholarships are available. If interested, students should contact Campus Ministry for details and sign up information