Students have the opportunity to spread some volunteer spirit through the Alternative Fall Break program sponsored by Volunteer Outreach for Leadership and Service.

Instead of spending fall break sleeping or studying, participants must sacrifice their time in order to serve others.

However, Stephen Anfield, public relations coordinator for TeamVOLS, said that the rewards for participating greatly outweigh the sacrifices.

“Taking an alternative break trip is by far one of my greatest experiences at UT. They are fun, you meet new friends and it’s amazing to see the direct impact that you can have on a community,” Anfield said.

Because of a growing demand for the program, TeamVOLS has expanded the number of AFB trips this year from two teams to three.

“We’ve had so many applicants apply in the past, and we just didn’t want to turn anyone away who wants to serve. Why not let more people have a chance to have an awesome experience?” Joy Forster, co-director of TeamVOLS said.

Chosen applicants will be divided into three teams of about 20 volunteers who will travel to a location for the weekend and perform community service. Past AFB destinations have included Columbia, S.C., Boone, N.C. and Cincinnati, Ohio. This year’s sites

are not yet disclosed because TeamVOLS is interested in volunteers committed to service and not to a particular location, Anfield said.

Forster said that the hard work involved in volunteering for an alternative break trip has its benefits.

“You come back exhausted, but you also come back with a new perspective on life,” Forster said.

AFB applications are available now and must be turned in by 5 p.m. on Tuesday in the TeamVOLS office, which is on the third floor of the University Center.