By Jaci Schneider, Staff Writer

Some students will do something radical for spring break this year.

They will stay in Abilene.

Lindsay Wilkerson and Tim Cromwell are leading the first Spring Break Campaign in Abilene. Campaigners will experience what it is like to be homeless, volunteer time for Habitat for Humanity, visit shut-ins and minister to people on the streets.

Wilkerson and Cromwell said the Abilene campaign is about building relationships that can continue after spring break ends. Wilkerson, senior communication disorders major from Nashville, Tenn., said students often build strong relationships with people they serve during spring break, but the relationship ends with the week.

“This is a week for students to make good, lasting relationships,” Wilkerson said.

So far the campaign has seven members, but the leaders said they are hoping the group will grow to at least 30. Anyone can join the campaign, including students who must work over the break, resident assistants who have to stay in the dorms and anyone who needs something to do for the week, Wilkerson said. The campaign costs $150, which includes every meal for the week as well as gas and a rental van for transportation. Southern Hills Church of Christ is providing homes for the campaigners.

Cromwell, a junior Bible missions major from Abilene, said he is looking forward to the weekend of living on the street. He said it will probably shock some people, but it will give them more respect for the people they see on the streets every day.

“You don’t have to go half way around the world to do mission work,” Cromwell said.