BITHLO, Fla. — Bithlo is about to get its own library and coffee house.
It's big addition to the community, considering it's one of the poorest and most rural areas of Orange County.
Sabrina and A.J. Elzinga have opted for paint scrapers and backbreaking work rather than sunscreen and the beach for their spring break.
They and other college students traveled all the way from Seattle to spend their vacation in Bithlo.
"You feel a hope, and purpose knowing that you're giving a week and changing lives for a long time to come," said A.J. Elzinga, who attends Adelphia Bible School.
One of their projects includes transforming a once-vacant home to a coffee house and library.
The closest library is about six miles from Bithlo.
"And it's a dangerous walk or bike ride right now. So this is going to be something in the neighborhood, in the community," said Tim McKinney of United Global Outreach.
Just about everything, including interior design services, for the coffee house and library was donated. The empty rooms will soon be filled with books donated by Florida Hospital.
All 211 gallons of paint needed for the project were donated by Behr and brought in from Georgia.
Inspired by the change they made happen in Bithlo, now A.J. and Sabrina said they want to do more for their community when they get home.
"How can we take some of the things we're learning to transform our community outside of Seattle?" said A.J. Elzinga.
The coffee house and library will be run by volunteers and should open by summer.
The organization is still in need of cash donations and kitchen appliances for the new place.
WFTV
