UIS starts semester with community Service-A-Thon

The University of Illinois Springfield Volunteer and Civic Engagement Center is hosting a Welcome Week Service-A-Thon to give students a chance to meet new friends and give back to the community.

Students can choose from three different service projects occurring simultaneously around Springfield. The Service-A-Thon will take place on Friday, August 27 from 1 to 4 p.m. This year the projects are at Hospital Sisters Mission Outreach, Southwind Park and Ball Charter School.

Hospital Sisters Mission Outreach (4849 Laverna Rd., Springfield) is a not-for-profit organization focused on the recovery and responsible redistribution of healthcare equipment and supplies to developing countries. Students will be sorting medical supplies to prepare them for shipment.

Southwind Park (4965 S 2nd St., Springfield) is a community supported effort of the Springfield Park District that intends to “provide a recreational and open space venue unlike any in the Midwest.” The Park provides year round indoor and outdoor activities, education, and recreation programs. Students will assist the park service with mulching several hundred trees.

Ball Charter School (2530 East Ash St., Springfield) is an elementary charter school open to students across the Springfield School District 186. Students will be helping the school build a new walking trail for the community.

For more information contact Kelly Thompson, director of the UIS Volunteer and Civic Engagement Center at 217/206-7716 or email volunteer@uis.edu.