MACOMB, Ill. – Western
Illinois University student-athletes are once again volunteering time in the
Macomb and area communities. A new program called ‘Rocky’s Reach’ has been
implemented for Leatherneck student-athletes to interact with elementary-age
children, participating in such activities as: playing board games, recess
activities and mentoring.
Two days out of the week representatives from Western’s sport
programs will volunteer time at two local schools. Rocky’s Reach is part of the
Athletics Department philosophy for student-athletes to give back to the
community and individuals who are in need through a clearly defined program of
service, and develop the foundation of a lifelong commitment to volunteerism.
“One of Western's four core values is Social Responsibility,
so as an athletics department, we stress to all of our student athletes the
importance of this commitment. We challenge our student athletes every semester
to serve as a resource for community development locally, in our region and
beyond. The weekly programs we are conducting at both Lincoln Elementary
and MacArthur Early Childhood Center are both evidence of that,” said Director
of Athletic Academic Services Lisa Melz.
Over the past three academic years Western Illinois
student-athletes have logged nearly 3,000 hours of community service annually,
and dating back to the 2003-04 year student-athletes have raised at least
$12,000 for charity.
Courtesy: WIU Visual Productions Center
