August 16, 2007
Annual Day of Service is set for Sept. 8
CARBONDALE, Ill. – Southern Illinois University Carbondale students will be cleaning up and improving the region through a variety of volunteer efforts during the 13th annual SIUC Day of Service, set for Sept. 8.
"This event raises student awareness of volunteerism and the educational value of community service," said Jill Pierard, graduate assistant for SIUC Student Development and higher education graduate student. "It also helps students get out in the community and meet people."
The service work helps students become more familiar with the Saluki Volunteer Corps as well. Each year, more than 200 students of all ages and backgrounds give of their time to help the community.
The event begins at 8:30 a.m. with students meeting in Ballroom D of the Student Center. After the morning's work is complete, they'll meet about noon at the Alumni Lounge of the Student Recreation Center for free pizza and soda. Student Development's Saluki Volunteer Corps will provide lunch and solicit feedback from students about their Day of Service experience. The event traditionally elicits very positive comments from participants and community organizations.
Students who want to participate in the 2007 Day of Service must pre-register at Student Development, located on the third floor of the Student Center. The registration deadline is Aug. 31. For more information, call 618/453-5714.
This year participants may sign up to help with their choice of the following activities:
• Beautify Southern Illinois, a campaign envisioned by SIU President Glenn Poshard to keep the SIUC campus and region clean and to raise environmental awareness.
• 4-H Community Garden in Murphysboro, a patch from which area food pantries will receive the annual harvest.
• Happy Factory, a program housed in the SIUC Student Center Craft Shop, making wooden toys for children in need.
• Cards for U.S. soldiers, creating cards of appreciation for American service personnel stationed around the world.
• Fall planting, organized by Carbondale Main Street, to landscape and beautify the city's downtown area to present a positive image for Carbondale residents and visitors.
• Touch of Nature Environmental Center spruce up, helping clear old trails and make new ones, removing old shrubs and planting new.