A hundred young people from all over the country were selected to participate in STORM CORPS, MTV and United Way's first-ever Alternative Spring Break program. The volunteers ages 18-24 spent the week of March 11-18 helping rebuild lives and communities in Biloxi, Mississippi and Foley, Alabama.  In addition to helping individual residents clean and rebuild, the projects undertaken by the volunteers assisted the Southern Mississippi AIDS Task Force office, the Deaf Center and the Moore Community House, where 5 buildings that housed day care facilities were destroyed. 

MTV and United Way partnered to develop STORM CORPS in an effort to mobilize a generation of youth leaders to address critical issues in communities across the country. STORM CORPS is designed to live on beyond the initial week of rebuilding. Upon returning home, participants are encouraged to utilize the leadership skills gained during STORM CORPS and share their experiences in the Gulf Coast with their communities.  They are also encouraged to keep volunteering in their local communities.  Go to www.think.mtv.com  to read more about this initiative and to see the link back to VCRI and YOUR local volunteer opportunities!