CHAPEL HILL — Fall break is usually a time when college students kick back and relax. But some students atUNC-Chapel Hillare using the time to help people in need instead.

These students are giving up their fall break to help flood victims in the eastern part of the state.

The students will be helping with cleanup and distributing food and clothing, among other things.

"I wasn't really going home, I was just going to stay here," said student Matthew Odom. "And being here on campus, you kind of get isolated from what's going on in the rest of the state. I felt like I wanted to see what was going on elsewhere and help out."

The busload of students left UNC Thursday at 6:30 a.m. and will return at 9 p.m.

There are trips scheduled for Friday, Saturday, Sunday and every weekend until the students are told they are no longer needed.

The Carolina Center for Public Serviceis coordinating the university's hurricane relief efforts.