Media Advisory: Good as Gold Ceremony honors local volunteers

What: In honor of National Volunteer Week (April 19-25), the University of Illinois at Springfield and the Junior League of Springfield have formed a partnership to host the Springfield Good as Gold Ceremony, a recognition event to acknowledge community members and organizations for their volunteer efforts.

When: Thursday, April 23 at 4:30 p.m.

Where: The Sangamon Auditorium lobby of the Public Affairs Center on the UIS campus.

Details: More than 50 people will be recognized during the Good as Gold Ceremony for their achievements and efforts, including those receiving the Heart of Gold, Youth Volunteer, Organization Agent of Service or UIS Outstanding Community Service Award.

UIS will also honor one staff or faculty member and one student who have demonstrated an exceptional commitment to service and volunteerism with the UIS Star Staff and UIS Star Student award.

Additionally, the Junior League will feature the winner of its Outstanding Community Service Award, recognizing a local junior high school girl for her leadership and volunteerism.

The winner of the Distinguished Volunteer award will have the opportunity to give a brief presentation to showcase his or her accomplishments within the Springfield community and will receive a donation stipend to give to the charity of his or her choice.

Media Advisory: UIS Cares Day benefits local community

What: In observance of UIS Cares Day and to celebrate National Volunteer Week (April 19-25), the UIS Volunteer & Civic Engagement Center, along with members of the UIS community, will be planting trees at Southwind Park.

When: 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Wednesday, April 22.

Where: Edwin Watts Southwind Park in Springfield, located near the corner of S. 2nd Street and Southwind Road.

Details: UIS is celebrating National Volunteer Week this week with the 7th annual UIS Cares Day. UIS Cares is a half-day community service event in which UIS students, staff, faculty, alumni and friends take on a community service project in partnership with a community-based organization.

Media Advisory: Holiday Stars Project

What: The Holiday Stars Project at UIS has collected an incredibly large amount of food for the Central Illinois Foodbank. Chancellor Ringeisen will announce whether UIS reached its collection goal and talk about why this first-time project is so important to the university and the community. The food that has been collected will be on display before it's loaded onto a Foodbank truck.

When: 1:30 p.m. Thursday, December 4, 2008

Where: UIS Food Emporium, lower level of the Public Affairs Center

Details: UIS students who participated in the Trick or Treat for Canned Goods in October will be present. During that drive, many members of the community gave food to the Holiday Stars Project. Also, UIS has been collecting food for the Project from members of the campus community for more than two months.