August 30, 2004

10th annual Day of Service set for Sept. 11

by Bonnie Marx

CARBONDALE, Ill. -- Southern Illinois University Carbondale students who want to participate in the Saluki Volunteer Corps' 10th annual SIUC Day of Service on Saturday, Sept. 11, must sign up by Friday, Sept. 3.

The goal of the day is to raise student awareness of volunteerism and the educational role of community service, said Mythili K. Rundblad, coordinator of volunteerism and service learning in the University's student development office. The program, which strives to enhance student understanding of the importance of civic engagement and community development, connects participants to volunteer opportunities in the region.

Organizers of the event are well aware of the significance of the date.

"After 9/11 happened, thousands of people across the country showed generosity, compassion and care through voluntary service," Rundblad said. "The students participating in Day of Service and the staff of Saluki Volunteer Corps believe that giving back to the community is one small way of making the day meaningful and joining thousands in similar efforts across our nation."

This year participants may choose from among four projects:

  • Habitat for Humanity, an international nonprofit housing ministry with the mission of making housing affordable for all people.
  • Beautify Southern Illinois, an ongoing program to keep the campus and region clean and help students understand the significance of the environment.
  • 4-H Community Garden, located north of Murphysboro, which donates the harvest to local food pantries.
  • Fall Planting, organized by Carbondale Main Street for landscaping the downtown area.

The day begins at 9 a.m., Saturday, Sept. 11, in Student Center Ballroom B with a brief orientation about the community agencies. Once volunteers complete the projects, they will return to the Student Center Ballroom D for pizza and lemonade.

Students and student organizations interested in participating may sign up at Student Development offices, located on the third floor of the Student Center.

For questions and information, call the Saluki Volunteer Corps at 618/453-5714.

Serving others is among the goals of Southern at 150: Building Excellence Through Commitment, the blueprint for the development of the University by the time it celebrates its 150th anniversary in 2019.