March 26, 2012

Student volunteers can help spruce up Alto Pass

by Christi Mathis

CARBONDALE, Ill. -- Attention Southern Illinois University Carbondale students who want to make a difference -- here’s your chance!

The University’s new Center for Service Learning and Volunteerism is seeking volunteers to landscape and spruce up the town square in Alto Pass on March 31.  The village recently became part of the regional wine trails and wants to put its best foot forward for visitors. 

One of the goals of the center is to strengthen the connection between the University and the region through efforts to enhance community development, and this is one such opportunity, according to Mythili Rundblad, co-director of the Center for Service Learning and Volunteerism.

Student volunteers will meet at the University’s Student Center between 8:30 and 9 a.m. on March 31 and leave promptly at 9 a.m. for the short trip to Alto Pass.  There, they’ll work until about 11:30 a.m. landscaping the town square.

Organizers say there is need for about a dozen volunteers and the deadline to sign up is Wednesday, March 28.  For more information, or to register, e-mail Paul Restivo at restivo@cehs.siu.edu.

The Center for Service Learning and Volunteerism will provide bottled water, snacks and gloves for volunteers.  Alto Pass will supply landscaping materials.