Illinois Central College

ICC Chamber Singers recently took time out from their music retreat to sing a great spiritual for the guests dining at the Loaves and Fish feeding ministry at the First United Methodist Church in Peoria, Ill. A Loaves and Fish volunteer told the group that they had an unexpected effect on one of their reserved weekly guests. The volunteer said that, as the students started to sing, the woman stopped eating and turned to listen with a smile on her face. The volunteer said it is the first time she has seen this guest smile in months. Thank you, ICC Chamber Singers, for spreading your joy of music!

First year ICC dental hygiene program students provided dental hygiene instructions at Crittendon Center and Tazewell Woodford Head Start programs on February 1, 2019. These sites were two of several in the area sponsored by the American Dental Association Foundation program that brings dentists, dental hygienists, dental students and other volunteers to provide screening, treatments and education to underserved children.

Three outstanding students in the early childhood education program gained some valuable real-world experience as volunteers at the Worldwide Day of Play at Glen Oak Park on Saturday, September 10. Students facilitated play as children were encouraged to try weaving with natural materials and construct critter houses for critter puppets, including a cricket, eagle, opossum, and butterfly. The volunteers gained a greater appreciation of the developmental potential of young children and learning by witnessing their imaginations and creativity.

Students in Assistant Professor Joe Chianakas' COMM 212 Public Speaking class recently participated at the Peoria Teen Summit, where they assisted in motivational assemblies for teens throughout the Peoria area.

ICC SIGN Club students recently hosted a party for the Deaf community of Central Illinois. SIGN Club members provided decorations, food, games, prizes and a photo booth for the enjoyment of the 60 people who attended.

Students in ICC's Caterpillar Dealer Service Technology Program's "Think Big Power Club" generously donated $500 to "Toys for Tots" this season. The students raised the money by completing various projects around ICC and in the community during the semester.