March Volunteer Opportunities

Saturday, March 27 – Trail Cleanup
9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
*Featured Service Splash*

Ready to breathe some fresh air to ring in the spring? Join us Saturday, March 27 for a trail cleanup at Carpenter Park Nature Preserve here in Springfield. Carpenter Park is home to dozens of species of birds, a sizable white-tailed deer population, and one of the oldest trees in Illinois (over 400 years). Help us keep this place beautiful for all who enjoy it. RSVP to (217) 206-7716 or volunteer@uis.edu.

March 1 – April 10 – Hunger Clean Up
Approximately 3 hours/week

Help us fight poverty in Springfield and abroad. We're looking for a student to lead a “Hunger Cleanup” here at UIS, a national student movement consisting of a month-long fundraising drive culminating in a national day of service. It only takes three hours a week to help feed your neighbors and make a difference in someone’s life. For more information about this event, go to: http://www.hungercleanup.org/about.html. If you’re interested in serving, contact the Volunteer Center at volunteer@uis.edu or (217) 206-7716.

March 5, 6, 12, 13, 19 – 27th Annual “Bowl for Kids’ Sake” Fundraiser
Afternoon and Evening start times

Our local Big Brothers Big Sisters organization is holding their annual bowling fundraiser at King Pin Lanes in Springfield. Funds raised will provide guidance and support to at-risk children through Big Brothers Big Sisters various mentoring programs, including two programs here at UIS. To register or for more information, call (217) 753-1216 or visit their website at: http://www.bbbscapitalregion.org/fundraising_bowlforkids.php

Saturday March 6 – Polar Plunge
10:30 AM – 1:30 PM

Attention! More “Polar Plungers” are wanted to jump into Lake Springfield on Saturday, March 6th! The plunge is at noon and supports Special Olympics Illinois Sangamon/Area 17, serving athletes with intellectual disabilities in Sangamon and Menard Counties. Lunch will follow the plunge at The Knights of Columbus Hall #4179. Lunch is free for Plungers and $5 for non-Plungers. You can register for the Plunge at http://www.plungeillinois.com or by contacting Darrin Burnett at (217) 544-3023. Last minute Plungers are welcome to register the morning of the event. Costumes and craziness are encouraged!

Saturday, March 6 – Invasive Species Removal
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

The Friends of the Sangamon Valley are continuing their exotic species cleanup in Washington Park. All work is “deep woods” so bring work gloves and a beverage. If interested, meet at the Rose Garden parking lot below the Carillon at 10:00 AM. Contact George Rose at (217) 787-1940 for more information.

Thursday, March 11 – American Red Cross Volunteer Orientation
5:30 PM – 6:15 PM

The American Red Cross offers many different volunteer opportunities to match your interests and skills. Examples include, responding to local and national disasters, teaching first aid, CPR, life guarding, and disaster training courses, delivering meals to community members through the “Meals On Wheels” program, and assisting with special events and fundraisers. Begin your volunteer experience by attending the Volunteer Orientation on March 11. For more information call (217) 787-7602 or visit http://www.il-redcross.org/getinvolved/volunteerinfo.html.