HUNTINGTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) -- Hundreds of college students work over spring break every year.

Habitat for Humanity is the lucky recipient of a huge boost in free labor. It comes in the form of eager hands and happy attitudes focused on helping others.

Kate Neimer could have headed south to the beach for some fun in the sun for her spring break. Instead, this Boston College sophomore headed south alright to Huntington to build a house.

Kate and a dozen other students are still having fun in the sun, but these activities call for gloves and boots instead of a swimsuit and sunscreen.

It's part of a program called Collegiate Challenge for the Appalachian Volunteers of Boston College. 600 students from the school have fanned out through several states to do a variety of projects. This particular group is working with Huntington’s Habitat for Humanity.

“We're here for the experience. It’s an awesome opportunity,” Kate said.

“Building a house is cool because you can see what you can do,” Phil Kowalski with Appalachian Volunteers of Boston College said.

“It’s amazing-- been working with Marshall University students and it's a couple here and there. This is 12 this week and 20 next week,” Construction Supervisor Kerri Boyd said.

Kerri Boyd is the construction manager for the local habitat. She said the consistency this week will mean a speedier completion of this house on Artisan Avenue.

“The fact that they're here all day everyday, they know what to expect and the progress will be amazing,” Kerri said.

Aside from the work, there's also the cultural exchange.

“Huntington has been great. We've been welcomed so well. We took a walk around,” Phil said.

“When we get here, 14 hour bus ride and one hour car ride and our site coordinator was there waiting for us,” Kate said.

The students are staying at a local church and are scheduled to participate in various fun activities around town each night to get some of the local flavor.