The annual Engage Chicago Through Service Day, organized by the University Community Service Center (UCSC) with support from the Office of Civic Engagement, introduces incoming students to diverse South and West Side communities and encourages them to be good neighbors by doing service projects at local community organizations.
This year’s Engage Chicago Through Service Day was held on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2015.
More than 350 students participated in projects at 28 service sites in 13 communities.
Projects included gardening and beautification, organizing files and equipment, painting rooms and lobby areas, assisting with technology, making blankets, running a college access workshop, helping develop campaigns, and conducting community outreach.
One of the projects even ended in a fun game of squash.
UCSC provides students with multiple service day opportunities throughout the year, as well as Service Match, for longer-term engagement.
Before heading out to 28 service sites in 13 South and West Side communities, students gathered at Mandel Hall to hear from staff, a fellow student, and Demond Drummer, director of the nonprofit CoderSpace.
Third-year College student Joe Joseph spoke to the more than 350 students before their Engage Chicago Through Service Day on Sept. 26, 2015
Engage Chicago Through Service Day students helped to set up the resource room at Kozminski Elementary School in Hyde Park.
Engage Chicago Through Service Day students helped to create workspaces for Strive Tutoring students.
Engage Chicago Through Service Day students did landscaping at the Ronald McDonald House at 54th Street and Drexel Avenue.
Engage Chicago Through Service Day participants tended the Community Garden at 65th Street and Woodlawn Avenue, in the Woodlawn community.
By Kim Grimshaw Bolton
Photos by Greg Birman
