UIS students volunteer as part of annual Service-A-Thon

Nearly 30 students from the University of Illinois Springfield ended their first week of classes by volunteering at three locations around Springfield. The effort was all part of the annual Welcome Week Service-A-Thon organized by the UIS Volunteer and Civic Engagement Center.

“We’re having fun. It’s not like we’re just stuck here because we have to be. All of us want to be here just to give a little extra,” said Jessica Yocum, a junior biology major.

Yocum volunteered at Hospital Sisters Mission Outreach where she helped sort medical supplies and prepare them for shipment.

“It’s great to have young people here and they’re so hard working and so focused. They’re doing a really great job,” said Jill Hawkins of Hospital Sisters.

UIS volunteers also helped build a new walking trail for the community at Ball Charter School and mulched trees at Springfield’s new Southwind Park.

“I know when I was little I always hated mulching, but now doing it with my friends makes it a much better experience,” said Kendra Tucker, a freshman psychology major.

The students say they enjoy volunteering because they meet new friends on campus and leave with a sense of pride knowing they helped out.

If you would like to learn more about service opportunities at UIS visit the Volunteer and Civic Engagement Center’s website or email volunteer@uis.edu.