Instead of hitting the beach, college students from across the country have come to eastern Kentucky for spring break.

They're participating in Workfest, a program with the Christian Appalachian Project, which builds and repairs homes for families in eastern Kentucky.

WYMT's Julie Maloney spoke with students at a work site in Manchester.

74-year-old Bertha Cheek says she's called this house home for the past 45 years.

Shortly after her husband died last November, she found the house needed some fixing-up...so she called the Christian Appalachian Project for help.

For the past three-weeks, college students from across the country have come to Clay County for their spring break to helping to repair Cheek's home.

“She's always around and usually has a smile on her face which just keeps us going,” Drew Simindinger said.

So far, the students have installed new doors and windows, built a new deck, added new siding, and are working to replace the roof.

“This spiritually fulfills you in ways that other things can't,” Simindinger said.

“You learn a lot about yourself and other people as well,” Anna Paulus said.

These college students say while most of their classmates are spending spring break at the beach, they're learning a lesson in life serving others.

They're helping to make life a little easier for Cheek.

Workers with the Christian Appalachian Project say Cheek's home will be finished next week.

The project is mostly funded through donations.