The legacy of Champaign’s Austin Cloyd continues each year with the 11th annual Austin’s Day, a day of service that honors her desire to make a difference.
Then a Virginia Tech freshman, Cloyd was one of 32 gunned down on campus on April 16, 2007. Austin’s Day, scheduled for 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. on April 14, encompasses volunteers making an effort in various ways to improve the community and surroundings. Cloyd was dedicated to public service, echoed in her belief that, “No one can do everything, but everyone can do something. And if everyone does something, then together we can change the world.”
The Austin Cloyd Day of Service typically includes work indoors and outdoors, including such tasks as laying mulch, gardening and cleaning. Volunteers of all ages are welcome to participate.
Champaign Rosary and Centennial High School’s Interact Club are organizers. Registration is available here but walk-ins are welcome. The first 150 volunteers get a free t-shirt. Shifts will run in two-hour time slots from 9:30-11:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. and 1:30-3:30 p.m. Volunteers should meet at 9 a.m. in the building by the north parking lot at Centennial.
Among the groups involved: Courage Connection, Crisis Nursery, Unit 4 School District, Champaign County Humane Society, Champaign Public Library, Champaign County Nursing Home, Salt & Light, and Champaign-Urbana Nursing and Rehab.