National Volunteer Week kicks off

By Kate Bowen

This week is National Volunteer Week, and this week Volunteer Illini Projects, Inc. is showing their appreciation for their volunteers. They hope to spark interest in volunteering and encourage University students to take action.

Representatives from the organization will be on the quad outside the Union this week to pass out brochures displaying the hard work and dedication of regular volunteers. The brochures also contain information concerning upcoming projects for those who may wish to get involved.

“It’s a week that we just get to recognize all of our volunteers. We have a bunch of different projects highlighting what they do each day. It really gives us a chance to thank them,” said Kristin Lupo, director of the organization’s Community Justice project.

Whitney Trumble, the director of the Hunger and Homelessness project, said the group emphasized Blood and Arts Outreach on Monday. A blood drive will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday to Friday at room 314 of the Illini Union.

Tuesday focused on Community Justice and Daycare. Laura Purdue, junior in ACES and director of the Daycare project, said this is an opportune time to inform the University about the volunteer opportunities available, during a week nationally dedicated to volunteering.

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Students can get information on their Hunger and Homelessness, I-Vote and Recreation projects on Wednesday. The rest of the week will highlight the remainder of the 15 projects the volunteer group is involved in, which includes: Best Buddies, Environmental, Friendship, Health Needs, Senior Citizens, Tutoring, and Social Empowerment.

For more information on the organization, visit the Volunteer Illini Projects, Inc. office at 268 Illini Union, or visit their website at www.vip.union.uiuc.edu.