With most programming being virtual this semester, the Center for Civic Engagement (CCE) wants to give Illinois State students safe, in-person opportunities by hosting a series of volunteer options called Spring into Service. This is an opportunity for students to volunteer with the CCE throughout the spring semester.
“We wanted to include more opportunities this year for students to serve our community outside of our typical volunteer days,” said Blair Canedy, CCE’s graduate assistant for community service projects. “All of our Spring into Service volunteer opportunities will be one-day service projects.”
The first projects in the spring series will be at Midwest Food Bank on February 12 and 13. Midwest Food Bank works to reduce hunger and malnutrition throughout the world, so Redbirds volunteering on these days will be working together to repackage bags of food. Something to note is that there are only 20 volunteers allowed at a time for this trip, so be sure to sign up fast.
With the stress of the pandemic, it is understandable that not all students are comfortable with group volunteer days. To help with this, CCE will also offer a volunteer opportunity to help make cards for the Luther Oaks senior living community. CCE staff will create craft bags filled with all the supplies needed to make the cards. The bags will be available to pick up from the Center (300 W. North St., Normal), and once completed they can be dropped back off there. CCE staff will deliver the finished cards to the senior living home.
“We’re excited about this option,” said Canedy. “The pandemic has limited visitors at Luther Oaks, so we’re sure that these cards will put plenty of smiles on the residents’ faces.”
“We are also considering the idea of doing a Zoom session that students can attend while making their cards,” Canedy said, “so they can still talk to all of the people they would have met in-person to complete the project.”
Additional Spring into Service volunteer opportunities will be posted in the future. It is important to check the CCE website for dates and times for all of the volunteer opportunities CCE has to offer. These volunteer days are a great way to get away from the computers, while still following all COVID-19 guidelines.
Register online to take part in any Spring into Service project.
