In support of Howard University’s Alternative Spring Break (HUASB) program, the WHUR radio station will hold its 2026 Helping Hands Radiothon event with a goal raising funds for the student-led community service initiative. 

The Helping Hands Radiothon event, happening on Sunday, Mar. 1 from 6am to 6pm, will raise money to help pay for transportation, lodging, and food for students taking part in this year’s HUASB program, now in its 32nd year. During the Radiothon, individuals interested in supporting the fundraising campaign can call into WHUR 96.3 during the 12-hour event to submit their donations. Student volunteers will also be stationed outside along Georgia Avenue in D.C. to collect monetary donations in person. 

This year’s HUASB program will take place Mar. 8-14 in communities across the country. More than 1,300 Howard students will travel to 23 sites focusing on various service initiatives, such as community development, developing pathways to food and housing stability, disaster resilience, education, holistic wellness, poverty, restorative justice, and youth empowerment. 

HUASB’s theme this year, “Service with Impact: Empowering Communities and Dismantling Disparities,” reflects the program’s ongoing commitment to supporting marginalized communities in need, said Taylor Vander, a junior computer science major from Slidell, Louisiana. 

“When brainstorming for this year’s theme, we thought the chosen theme would truly speak to what is happening in the world today while also honoring HUASB’s enduring legacy of transformative service in underserved communities,” said Vander, who serves as HUASB’s 2025-26 co-executive student director. “It’s important for people to participate in this year’s Radiothon to ensure that we have the financial support needed to serve with impact this Spring Break. We rely on the generous support of our donors to continue to offer the HUASB trip at no cost to students.”

Since 1994, HUASB has stood at the forefront of empowering communities and dismantling disparities across the nation and the world through meaningful, student-led service. HUASB nationally recognized service-learning program for students of all faiths and backgrounds to embrace the Howard’s motto of “Truth and Service.” Coordinated through the Office of the Dean of the Andrew Rankin Memorial Chapel, this service initiative allows students to discover the power of ethical leadership, civic engagement, and communal responsibility.

Donate to the 2026 Howard University Alternative Spring Break fundraising campaign.