Student-athletes logged 2,666 hours of community service during the 2014–2015 academic year.
Redbirds worked with children in the Recess Buddies program and helped at a holiday party for local families. They collected canned goods at Halloween and helped social service agencies. Senior C.J. Hamilton, a track and field athlete, logged 146 hours alone with the Bloomington Crisis Help Line.
The outreach extended beyond Central Illinois. The football team took time last season to volunteer with the Miracle League while in Frisco, Texas. The men’s basketball team scheduled time to help others during a pre-season trip to Spain in August.
The international trek allowed for visits to a local orphanage and center for individuals with disabilities. Team members and staff provided instruction and played with nearly 50 youngsters in the community of Mataro, outside of Barcelona.
There will be plenty of upcoming opportunities to serve, with a challenge for student-athletes to set a record of 3,000 service hours this academic year.
