Intersection of Volunteers Meets Community Needs

When Whitney Roberts was a student at , she gladly participated in the Intersection day of service.

Now, as assistant director of ministry and service at the college, Roberts is coordinating the event for the second year in a row.

“Intersection was really a day that challenged me as a student because I was working along side some of the people who worked for the organizations and with those who benefited,” she said. 

Roberts said the experience allowed her to see the bigger picture of the community and the people who serve. It was nice opportunity to see people out and serving alongside those who benefit from assistance. She also met people she might not have otherwise.

Saturday, about 400 to 500 volunteers are expected to give their time to participate in the college’s Intersection day of service, she said. The college has partnered with and this year, which should double the number of participants this year.

The event is in its fifth year, Roberts said. The program started when former department director Jeremy Gudauskas had connections to a group out of Bloomington-Normal that was also putting together an activity around the same time. They were thinking of a way to put together event involving students and that would incorporate giving back to the community.

She said the people at SpreadTruth.com started the Intersection program. The goal of the program was to provide a bigger picture to volunteers about who and why they were helping. The experience would allow volunteers to learn more about their community, the organizations that were helping and the people who were receiving assistance.

Molly Link, 22, a senior sociology major from Batavia, has been helping plan this year’s program, contacting sites, recruiting volunteers and taking care of other logistics.

Last year Link said she was a site leader, helping out at site for kids living in subsidized housing in Aurora where they put on a "Fun Day" for children.

“I really enjoy serving others, particularly those who are less fortunate,” Link said. “I believe that it helps put things in perspective, especially for people who have had opportunities that others haven't had or may never have.”

She said a lot of students try to participate but, as with anything, sometimes schedules just don’t make it possible.

Roberts said students on the North Central College campus are very responsive to the day of service, particularly now that Intersection has been held for several years. Several student groups on campus encourage members to sign up and participate. They do their own marketing and recruiting.

Participants actually pay a fee to participate, but the fee helps pay for materials needed at the various sites, Roberts said. Volunteers do receive breakfast, lunch and a light dinner.

Many of the projects will include renovation work at different sites, Roberts said.

“And that fits in with Intersection,” Roberts said. “We want to help equip the organizations that do their missions so well. We want to take a load off their backs.”

Volunteers also will work with Triple Threat Mentoring in Aurora, helping out with a soccer tournament. A student advocacy group, International Justice Mission, will be advocating for those who are exploited through slave labor or sex trafficking.

In Plainfield volunteers will serve at Lakewood Nursing Home, spending time with the residents.

According to a news release from North Central College the full day of service will benefit 15 service agencies, nonprofit organizations and projects in Naperville, Aurora, Plainfield, West Chicago and Bolingbrook.

Link will be serving at World Relief in Aurora on Saturday. She said participating in Intersection has allowed her to learn about the needs of the community as well as how organizations can collaborate and come together for one day that has a great purpose.

“I always enjoy the ending result, where you can see what you worked so hard on for the entire day,” Link said. “This year has extra meaning, in that I helped with the planning beforehand and I will also be leading a site.

"I have had involvement in preparing for the day so it is the outcome at the end of it that I will enjoy the most this year.”

Those who wish to participate can visit OneIntersection.com to register. The Intersection day of service begins with registration and breakfast at 8 a.m. in Wentz Concert Hall at the Fine Arts Center, 171 E. Chicago Ave., Naperville, and a brief program at 8:30 a.m. Volunteers will serve at one of the 15 sites from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. with a celebration event and light dinner at 3 p.m. at Harvest Bible Chapel in Naperville. Maps, directions and lunch at each location will be provided. Cost is $10/individuals, $25/families and $5/students; costs go toward project supplies and meals.