Clark State Community College faculty, staff and students will participate in Clark County Service Day for the second year in a row on April 28. 

“We currently have enough volunteers to have three teams this year,” said Justin McCulla, director of athletics and student life for Clark State. “Our teams will be going to Springfield Regional Medical Center to help with landscaping, Rocking Horse to spruce up their facility, and help sort and organize clothes at the Open Hands Free Store.”

The United Way of Clark, Champaign and Madison Counties reported that in 2016, more than 500 volunteers contributed more than 3,000 service hours to 40 non-profits in the community on Service Day. McCulla, who is also serving as the Clark State team captain for Service Day, said the projects Clark State will help with this year were selected based on needs in the community.

“It is a great opportunity for Clark State employees and students to network and make connections with our local community and leaders,” said McCulla. “For Clark State, this gives our students and employees an eye-opening experience. It shows how doing even the small things can have a big impact on others.”

The theme of Service Day this year includes three categories of projects including Arts and Beautification; Clean It, Fix It, Paint It; and Mind, Body, Spirit.

McCulla said being involved in the community allows students and employees to see the issues that really matter, and perhaps lead them to continue helping improve the community. He said volunteering is a beneficial experience and learning opportunity.

“This opportunity gives Clark State the chance to give back to the community around us,” he said. “For the community, it is uniting people from diverse backgrounds to work towards a common goal.”