August 20, 2008

Day of Service offers students chance to volunteer

by Christi Mathis

CARBONDALE, Ill. -- Southern Illinois University Carbondale students will give their time and energy to improve their corner of the world and beyond during the 14th annual Day of Service on Sept. 6.

The Day of Service is a chance for students -- usually 200 or more participate -- to contribute to a variety of community service projects. The occasion raises student awareness about volunteerism and the many values of community service, and it offers an opportunity to familiarize themselves with the Saluki Volunteer Corps. Individual students, as well as groups from residence halls, registered student organizations, athletics and all over campus, will join together to help others on this day.

Students will meet at 8:30 a.m. on Sept. 6 in Ballroom D at the Student Center. They’ll be transported to the work site of their choice. When the work wraps up about 12:30 p.m., they’ll meet again in Ballrooms B and C at the Student Center for free pizza and lemonade courtesy of Student Development’s Saluki Volunteer Corps.

Participants will also provide feedback about their morning experience. Typically, the student volunteers and the organizations they help say the day is a very positive experience for all involved.

Students planning to participate in the 2008 Day of Service must pre-register at the Student Development office on the third floor of the Student Center by Sept. 3. For more information, call 618/453-5714.

Participants in the 2008 Day of Service can choose one of the following activities to join in:

• Beautify Southern Illinois, a program envisioned to keep SIUC and region clean while raising environmental awareness and awareness of the significance of volunteerism.

• Happy Factory, a program at the Student Center Craft Shop to make wooden toys for children in need.

• Cards for U.S. soldiers, creating handmade cards of appreciation for American service personnel wherever they are around the globe.

• Main Street fall planting, working with Carbondale Main Street to plant flowers and trees to beautify the downtown area and present a positive image for local residents and visitors.

• Painting T-shirts for orphaned children in Zambia.