Members of the Spoon River College Habitat for Humanity Campus Chapter will be holding a spaghetti dinner on Friday, February 12 at the Wesley Church Fellowship Hall in Canton from 5pm to 8pm. Proceeds will go towards the group’s upcoming trip to Las Cruces, New Mexico, where they will take part in the Collegiate Challenge over spring break.

Collegiate Challenge is Habitat for Humanity’s year round alternative break program. It offers groups of five or more students, 16 years of age and older, the opportunity to visit one of the 250 host affiliates throughout the United States. Students spend one week working in partnership with the local affiliate, the local community and partner families to help eliminate poverty housing in the area.

“I am really excited about the opportunity to spend my spring break making a difference to a family who is in need of a home,” said Collegiate Challenge participant Denise Wittmer. “This will truly be a memorable spring break.”

The meal will cost $10 for adults and $4 for children 3-12. Children under 2 are free. The dinner consists of spaghetti, breadsticks, and a green salad, drinks and desserts. Carryouts will be available.

“We are also going to hold a 50/50 drawing and cakewalk, and we are finalizing what our entertainment will be, such as a DJ and possibly Karaoke,” said Rich Markley, fundraising chair for the group. Markley added that the group needs to raise approximately $3500 before spring break, which is March 15-19.

While in New Mexico, students will be provided with safe accommodations in a local church. They will be expected to work from approximately 8a.m. to 3 p.m. for five days. According to HfH International, “projects may include improving existing housing structures, helping build a house or volunteering on other projects that help meet the goals of Habitat for Humanity in the community.”

Students who will be making the trip are: Rich Markley, Brandon Richardson, Tisha Markley, Melissa Baughman, Denise Wittmer, Carol Shaughnessy, Meagan Morse, Casey Pratt and Faculty Advisor, Dr. Jeanine Standard.