College students spend spring break helping the disabled

Some college students from Massachusetts are in Georgia, and they're using their spring break to make a big difference.

Forget the sun and the sand. Ten young women from Boston University are volunteering this week with an organization that helps disabled people in metro Atlanta. It's an effort that's impacting the lives of people on both sides.

"We get to spend our time in such a more meaningful way than going on a crazy spring break or stay in Boston," said Boston University student Crystal Sagh.

While sorting, packing and organizing medical supplies, the group hopes to make an impact in the lives of those who depend on FODAC -- Friends of Disabled Adults and Children in Stone Mountain.

"We depend on volunteers. We really have a relatively small staff," said FODAC CEO Chris Brand.

The organization helps people regain their mobility and independence by giving them wheelchairs and other medical supplies. Brand says the extra hands make a huge difference.

"It's really amazing that they choose to do something with such an impact for the community and world around them, instead of relaxing and goofing off," said Brand.

The volunteers are also working at the FODAC thrift store. The proceeds then go back into the organization.

"It's a huge operation. Now, we have grown to all kinds of medical equipment, collecting, refurbishing and giving it away," Brand said.

The students say spring break is not about time for themselves, but a time to focus on serving and giving back to others.

"It always feels good to help out other people who may not have other opportunities like we do," said a student.

This is the eighth year a group from Boston University has come to Georgia on an "alternative spring break" trip. The students say they don't feel like they are wasting their trip. They feel their work here is making better memories than a beach vacation ever would.