Most college students plan to spend their spring break lounging on warm, sandy beaches or relaxing with family and friends as they gear up for the end of the semester push. But one group of University of North Carolina students has opted for a more proactive role in their community.

Ten students from the UNC School of Law will spend their spring break assisting low income residents and the elderly of the High County in completing advance directives and legal wills free of charge. Advance directives are legal documents that allow people to clearly state their wishes about the distribution of property and end-of-life care ahead of time. This would include wills, power of attorney, healthcare powers of attorney and living wills. The services are free of charge for eligible citizens and will take place locally on Wednesday, March 10 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Ashe Services for Aging at 180 Chatty Rob Lane.

The assistance provided by the law students will be supervised by local attorneys and Legal Aid of North Carolina, which has a track history of partnering with law schools in providing free legal assistance. The nonprofit law firm teams up with law students and other civic organizations in providing these types of services to the elderly and other low income residents. Reeves Law Firm, UNC Pro Bono Program and the UNC Center for Civil Rights will also provide supervision to the budding attorneys.

Boone field office Manager Denise Lockett explained that this group of law students wanted to spend their spring break serving residents in more remote locations. She also said that the partnership between the organization and the students seemed like a perfect fit for what they are trying to accomplish.

“We have a really good rapport with law schools and their students. UNC has always had a strong public service reputation so it just became a natural relationship,” said Lockett.

These students will be able to offer clients the opportunity to complete all legal documents and requirements during their appointments.

“Our clinic will give clients the opportunity to complete any or all of these important legal documents in one day, no cost to them, during convenient, scheduled appointments,” Lockett said. “We’re looking for people with low income and can’t afford private attorney services.”

In normal circumstances, Lockett explained, attorneys would charge clients anywhere from $500 to $2,000 for similar services.

Wilkes County appointments will take place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Thursday, March 11 at the Wilkes Senior Center and Respite Care of Wilkes located at 228 Fairplains School Road in North Wilkesboro.

For more information on eligibility requirements or to schedule an appointment, please contact Legal Aid of North Carolina’s Boone office at (828) 264-5640 or 800-849-5666.