The Center for Community Service works to meet the needs and interests of the Knox community to engage in volunteer and service projects in Galesburg and the Knox County area. The center coordinates a wide range of volunteer service activities involving individual students, student clubs and organizations, fraternities and sororities, and faculty and staff.

Several academic programs also include community service as part of their curriculum, including the departments of psychology, anthropology-sociology, educational studies; and the Gale Scholars and TRIO programs.

"The Center provides a 'point of contact' that brings together students and faculty, community members, and non-profit organizations," says Xavier Romano, Dean of Students and Vice President for Student Development. 

A History of Service
When Knox College was founded in 1837, students split their time between working in the fields and working in the classrooms. Because Knox College and the City of Galesburg were founded together, the Center for Community Service seeks to continue a tradition at Knox, to serve as an integral link between the Knox campus and the Galesburg community.

"Today," says Kathleen Ridlon, Coordinator for the Center, "our 'field' is as wide as the communities that we live in, where Knox students share their time and knowledge with individuals and with local, regional, national, and international organizations."

A Record of Service
The Center opened in January 2006 through a grant given by the Ellen Browning Scripps Foundation. This foundation funded the first year of operation of the Center for Community Service. During that first year, Knox students donated more than 7,000 hours of volunteer service. Faculty and staff have also demonstrated their involvement in the community through their partnerships with more than 60 local organizations.

Contacts
Both community organizations looking for volunteers, and Knox students, faculty and staff who are interested in volunteer service opportunities, should contact Kathleen Ridlon, Coordinator of the Center for Community Service, volunteer@knox.edu or by telephone at 309-341-7085.

Key Events for the Center for Community Service

Foundation Grant—The Center receives a start-up grant from The Ellen Browning Scripps Foundation. More info...

Make A Difference Day—The Center and the Knox College Alumni Office work with students and alumni and the Boys and Girls Club of Knox County to present a "Family Fall Festival" featuring pumpkin carving, a costume contest and face painting. More info...

Disaster Relief—The Center has assisted Knox students in organizing several trips to areas affected by Hurricane Katrina; more than 100 Knox volunteers have donated approximately 6,000 hours of work toward disaster relief. More info...

Big Brothers Big Sisters—Knox students engage in mentoring youngsters from the community. More info...

New Student Orientation—The CCS promotes volunteer opportunities to new students. In 2006-07, more than 80 volunteers signed up to participate in a community service project.