Washington, D.C. (Sunday, March 1, 2026) – The sound of generosity filled the airwaves Sunday as WHUR 96.3 listeners turned the 12-hour Helping Hands Radiothon into a movement – raising more than $42,000 to mobilize over 1,200 Howard University students for the 32nd Annual Alternative Spring Break. Those dollars will translate into 150,000 hours of mentoring, tutoring, volunteering, and hands-on service in 22 communities nationwide from March 7th – March 14th.
Listeners responded in extraordinary fashion – dropping off donations in person at the station and contributing online at whur.com – ensuring the students have the resources needed to travel and serve. Service site this year include cities such as Memphis, Chicago, New Orleans, Baltimore, Philadelphia, Charlotte, and throughout the DMV.
Catherine Brewton has benefited from the donations to get Howard students to places like North Carolina. She is the Founder and Chair of Hope for Harvest, a non-profit that helps homeless youth and teens in Charlotte. “We do this exercise called ‘Hope Talk,’ where the Howard students give inspirational messages to my youth. To see them sit down and pour into my students with messages of love, hope, care, and just promises of a better future; is invaluable. They truly help to change lives,” said Brewton.
Through-out the daylong radiothon, Howard students shared powerful, first-hand accounts of how Alternative Spring Break has shaped their lives and strengthened the communities they serve. Savannah McDonald is the Site Coordinator for Nashville, Tennessee. “One of the many amazing things about ASB is that it is contagious. Once a student gets the experience of giving back, it sparks us to want to do even more,” said McDonald, a Junior who is majoring in History. This is her 3rd year participating in the program. Savannah’s story is not unique. Many of the 1,200 hundred students who are opting to serve are 2nd and 3rd timers.
“The outpouring of support from our listeners has been nothing short of inspiring,” said Sean Plater, General Manager at WHUR. “Each year , our community answers the call to invest in these remarkable young leaders who choose service over leisure. At a time when so many organizations are experiencing funding challenges, our listeners stepped up to ensure Howard students can continue making a meaningful difference across the country. That is the true power of community.”
Funding raised during the Helping Hands Radiothon will directly support transportation expenses, including 40 buses, meals, and lodging. If you missed the radiothon, you can still give. Just click the link and your tax-deductible donation will go a long way to fuel the mission of Howard students who are willing to serve. https://www.givecampus.com/campaigns/76583/donations/new
