Instead of taking a week-long vacation, about 75 teenagers are spending their summer break helping low income people repair their homes.
High school and middle school students from several East Tennessee churches and a Texas church are participating in Knoxville Leadership Foundation's Operation Backyard.
The program offers free home repair services to low-income homeowners who cannot afford the repairs.
Students are replacing roofs, building wheelchair ramps and painting.
"We bring the community out to serve our neighbors and get to know our neighbors because we learn from each other and that's the whole mission of Knoxville Leadership Foundation," said David Ault.
"I really love serving. It gives, you know, a really good feeling. I've really enjoyed it," said Joseph Marble, a volunteer.
The teens wrap up their service project Friday, then another group will come in next week to help more folks in need.