During a week many students head to beaches for a little R&R, nearly two dozen Mines students lent a hand in three community service projects in the Denver metro area.

This is one of the best things I could do with my day, said freshman Sydney Rogers as she cleaned out kennels at the Foothills Animal Shelter on the first day of spring break (March 12, 2012). “I’ve always enjoyed helping out the community. This is just another way.”

Students did a number of odd jobs at the animal shelter, cleaning, organizing and even chopping ice that formed in one of the dog runs.

Earlier that morning a group of students served food and bussed tables at Same Caf� in Denver, a restaurant where there are no prices and patrons pay what they can. Later in the week, students volunteered at The Gathering Place, a shelter for women, children and transgender people experiencing poverty and homelessness.

“I’ve got friends in San Diego right now,” says Juan Beltran while hosing the floors at the animal shelter. “I figured I’m here until this afternoon so why not take advantage of this opportunity to give back.”

The staff at Foothills Animal Shelter certainly appreciated the effort.

“We’re so thankful the students from Colorado School of Mines generously donated their time during spring break to help with maintenance and cleaning projects at Foothills Animal Shelter,” says Executive Director Heather Cameron. “They made a huge difference not only by increasing the beauty of our facility, but also by benefiting the many orphaned animals in our care.”