UIS students give back during Welcome Week Service-A-Thon

The University of Illinois Springfield Volunteer and Civic Engagement Center hosted its annual Welcome Week Service-A-Thon on August 29, 2014.

The event gave students a chance to learn about service and give back to the Springfield and campus community.

This year, UIS volunteers helped Habitat for Humanity of Sangamon County with a home building project and volunteered at the St. John’s Breadline and M.E.R.C.Y Communities in Springfield.

Students also partnered with the American Red Cross to prepare fire and burn emergency kits, which they distributed to townhouses and apartments on campus.

“The idea is that it sparks an interest that students will follow-up on and many be involved on a weekly basis or individually with a specific organization they’re interested in,” said Mark Dochterman, director of the UIS Volunteer and Civic Engagement Center.

A total of 75 students participated in this year’s project.