University students, faculty members and staff will join forces with nearly 100 community partners across Chicago on May 4 to participate in service projects across the city. This is the 13th year for DePaul’s Vincentian Service Day,

WHO
Students, faculty members, staff, family and friends of DePaul University and nearly 100 community partners including Chicago Lighthouse for the Blind, Erie Neighborhood House, Friends of the Parks, Marillac House and Willow Chicago.

WHAT
Volunteers will plant flowers and vegetables, trim bushes, mulch trees, clear weeds and trash in neighborhoods across the city of Chicago during DePaul University’s 13th Vincentian Service Day. The annual event is an opportunity for members of the DePaul University family and community partners to come together in Chicago neighborhoods for a day of service. Volunteers are advised to “be prepared to get dirty” as they pitch in to paint and beautify parks, clean classrooms, move books, deep clean kitchens, wash windows, assemble cat carriers or help with a 3-on-3 youth basketball tournament.

WHEN
Saturday, May 4 | 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

8 a.m. Kickoff at DePaul’s Lincoln Park Campus, Athletic Center, 2323 N Sheffield Ave. Snacks and T-Shirt Distribution

8:15 a.m.-9 a.m. Morning Program

9 a.m. Dismissal to Service Sites (see media contacts for more information)

10 a.m.1 p.m. – Service

1 p.m. Depart Service Sites

1:30-3:30 p.m. Picnic and Peace Festival, DePaul’s Quad located at Fullerton and Seminary Avenue in Lincoln Park

WHERE
Volunteers will be at an estimated 75 service sites in neighborhoods across the city from Humboldt Park to Uptown, Logan Square to Pilsen, Old Town to North Lawndale, Lincoln Park to Garfield Park — all over the city and adjacent communities, including Cicero.

WHY
Vincentian Service Day puts DePaul’s Vincentian mission of service and social justice into practice. It creates an opportunity for students to personally experience the different communities in Chicago in a way that aligns with our university mission. Vincentian Service Day provides space and time to experience the margins of society first-hand. In this way, DePaul students, faculty, and staff can become agents of social transformation by experiencing spiritual awakening and social awareness. 

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NOTE TO PHOTOJOURNALISTS/PRODUCERS/REPORTERS: Not all service sites are open for photos and interviews. Please contact Jon Cecero in DePaul’s Office of Public Relations and Communications to coordinate times and locations. His contact information is jcecero@depaul.edu, 312-362-7640 direct line or 817-688-1012 cell.

SOURCE:
Ministry Coordinator for Service Days
Courtney Curby, Ccurby@depaul
773-325-1192