NATCHEZ &8212; Spending spring break in Natchez is an easy choice for those who want to get away from cold weather, see flowers in bloom and watch history come alive during Pilgrimage season, which begins today.

But different motives led a group of 10 volunteers from James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Va., to come to Natchez.

It&8217;s called &8220;alternative spring break.&8221; Instead of seeking fun and recreation, students and faculty members look for ways to make a difference at agencies needing a little help &8212; such as the Sunshine Shelter for Abused and Neglected Children in Natchez.

&8220;I started looking at Web sites,&8221; said freshman Stephanie Herzog, one of two student leaders of the group. &8220;When I started talking to Matilda, we clicked. I knew this was the place to come.&8221;

Matilda Stephens, director of the shelter, has watched the building come alive &8212; painting, repairing, yard cleaning and &8220;so many little jobs that needed doing.&8221;

In fact, Stephens was so impressed with the energy of the JMU students that she decided to share them with a couple of other needy agencies.

The students arrived in Natchez Sunday and have been busy since then, not only working but also learning about Natchez and this part of the South, Stephens said.

&8220;I could have kept them busy at the shelter all week,&8221; she said. &8220;But I decided to share them with Red Cross and NAPAC. And on Friday they will volunteer at the church that is housing them.&8221;

Kevin Caran, a chemistry professor, is the faculty representative with the group. He made it clear, however, that the student leaders are in charge. It is his third year to take part in the program.

&8220;About 25 groups of 10 from JMU go out all over the country,&8221; he said.

&8220;The students give up their whole spring break, and they pay their way. This program makes a big impact.&8221;

For the students, not only is there opportunity to reap the rewards of service to others. But it is a chance for them to learn leadership skills, Caran said.

Herzog, who hopes to pursue social work as a profession, wants to teach on the college level and stay involved in volunteer social programs.

&8220;I like community service,&8221; she said. &8220;It makes you look at your own life and what you have. And you think about the impact you may make on the life of someone. It could be something they hold onto forever.&8221;