Kevin Cheng
Upcoming Events
STEM Volunteer Event
Friday, December 6th
3:00 PM - 4:30 PM​
Champaign Public Library ​
​
Volunteers will assist middle school students with fun, hands-on STEM activities like building marshmallow towers and designing egg drop structures at the Champaign Public Library Teen Lounge. The goal is to guide and encourage students as they explore problem-solving, teamwork, and creativity. Volunteers will help create a supportive and engaging environment where students can learn and have fun with STEM concepts.
​
Points: 2 points
HOYCE's Annual Season of Giving Event
Saturday, December 7th
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM​
Activities and Recreation Center (ARC)
​
The HOYCE Center is seeking student volunteers for the Annual Season of Giving event. Join us in making a difference by helping organize donations, assist with gift distribution, and support families in need. Gain valuable experience while spreading holiday cheer to over 800 families. During the event we will assist friends of the community with obtaining their gifts and supporting with various assigned activities.
​
*Fill out BOTH forms, and Only sign up for the 1-3 PM slot named Event Support 2 *
​
Points: 2 points
Finals Week Goody Bag Packaging
Saturday, December 7th
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM​
CIF 2018​
​
Join us in supporting students during finals week! We'll be assembling stress relief kits to be distributed to all students around finals. Each kit will include helpful items like stress balls, soothing teas, and other self-care essentials.
If there are any issues please contact vipvicepres@gmail.com, asdangi2@illinois.edu or mello3@illinois.edu
​
Points: 1 point
Finals Studying Social
Saturday, December 7th
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM​
Materials Science Building Room 4101 ​
​
Join us for a Study Social hosted by Volunteer Illini Projects! Our goal is to help students stay focused during finals. We'll study together from 7:00 to 8:30 PM while enjoying snacks and hot cocoa. Then, we'll unwind from 8:30 to 9:00 PM with a fun arts and crafts activity for stress relief.
We hope to see you there!
​
Points: 2 social points
Life-Size Candy Land
Sunday, December 8th
11:40 PM - 3:30 PM
Champaign Public Library ​
​
The Champaign Public Library is hosting a “Life-size Candy Land” event that transforms the Robeson Pavilion meeting room into a giant Candy Land game board! Volunteers will help guide families as they follow the rainbow path through a whimsical land filled with sweet surprises, games, and activities. There will be interactive spots throughout the Children's area, including a photo booth and more fun for all ages. Volunteers will assist in creating a magical experience for attendees by helping with setup, guiding guests, and supporting various activities along the way.
​
Points: 4 points
Finals Week Goody Bag Distribution
Wednesday, December 11th
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM​
Illini Union ​
​
We’re looking for volunteers to help distribute stress relief kits to students during finals week! You'll be tabling on campus for at least 1 hour, handing out kits filled with stress balls, soothing teas, and other self-care essentials.
​
Points: 1 point per shift
Ongoing Events
VIP + Champaign Unit 4 School
District Tutoring
Ongoing
7:45 AM - 3:30 PM
Various Champaign Unit 4 School District schools
​
Tutor with VIP and Unit 4 Schools! We are looking for volunteers to tutor at a school at least once a week. This project is for those who want a consistent and flexible volunteer opportunity. No experience required, just a commitment to help others and a good attitude!
​
Please fill out this Google Form if you are interested (note: this form is not binding). You will also receive 1 point for filling out the form!
​
Points: 1 per hour of event
​
VIP + New American Welcome
Center Tutoring
Ongoing
Various locations ​
​
The New American Welcome Center is looking for tutors to assist students from the Latino community (ENG-SPA). At least a strong working proficiency in Spanish is highly recommended. Volunteers are expected to volunteer at least 1 hour/week. This opportunity may require some flexibility within your schedule. Deadline to apply is Tuesday, September 24th, at 11:59 PM.​
Please fill out this Google Form if you are interested (note: this form is not binding). You will also receive 1 point for filling out the form!
​
Points: 1 point per hour tutoring
​
VIP + Chargers Family Academic Center
Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays
11:00 AM - 4:30 PM​
Centennial High School: 913 Crescent Dr, Champaign, IL 61821
The Charger Family Academic Center at Centennial High School is looking for tutors to help students with their homework during their “drop-in” hours. Students can come in during lunch or free periods to get help in various subjects, the main ones being math, science, or language. Volunteers are expected to volunteer at least an hour/week. Please fill out this Google Form if you are interested!.​​
​
Points: 1 per hour of event
​
Petition for Fossil Free Investments at The University of Illinois
Ongoing
​
Please join SECS in gathering support to move U of I into the future by taking our University's money out of Fossil Fuel companies! Divestment in fossil fuels would be a physical representation of our values in sustainability and positive change!​
​
Points: 0.5 point
​
VIP + Bottenfield Elementary School
Monday-Friday
Various Times
Bottenfield Elementary School: 1801 S Prospect Ave, Champaign, IL 61820
​
Tutor with VIP and Bottenfield Elementary School! We are looking for classroom helpers for Kindergarten, 2nd, and 3rd grade! This project is for those who like working with little kids and can commit to an hour/week! No experience is needed, just enthusiasm and a helping hand!
Please fill out this Google Form if you are interested.
​
Points: 1 per hour
VIP + Leal Elementary 5th Grade Discussion/Hangout Group
Tuesdays/Thursdays in December (until Dec. 19)
12:15PM - 1:00 PM
Leal Elementary School (312 W Oregon St, Urbana, IL 61801)
Leal Elementary School is looking for volunteers to form a mentorship and discussion group to connect with 5th graders who need a little extra attention and guidance. Volunteers are wanted to offer support and share positive perspectives to these students. Help create a space where students can grow and thrive! Transportation is provided! Can take as many shifts as you’d like, no weekly commitment!
​
Points: 1 per hour
Recurring Events
Jubilee Cafe CUCC Volunteering
Jubilee Cafe CUCC Volunteering
Every Monday
Time slots from 3:00 PM - 8:00 PM
805 S Sixth St. Champaign
People in need of food often don't get the opportunity to go out to eat at a restaurant. This weekly meal helps people in our community who are in need of food while also making them feel respected and valued by creating a restaurant-like atmosphere. It also reduces food waste by using the bread that Panera gives to Jubilee Cafe at the end of the day. Volunteers have the opportunity to be a server, host, greeter, or help set up and clean up.
Points: 1 points per time slot attended
Send a picture of you during volunteering to vip.hunger.homeless@gmail.comin order to receive points!
​
​
Wesley Food Pantry
Every Monday
3:00 - 4:00 PM
1203 W Green St., Urbana
Wesley Food Pantry has set up several Grab and Go stations around campus where students can grab snacks throughout the day. They need help stocking stations throughout the campus, including La Casa, Native American House, Asian American Center, Bruce Nesbitt African American Center, and the Diversity & Social Justice Education Office. We will meet at the entrance of Wesley Food Pantry, which is by the Parking Lot(South entrance). Sign up in the link below!
Points: 1 point
​
​
AmiGoals Mentoring Program
Starting December 1st
Hybrid
​
This volunteering opportunity is designed to connect students with mentors who can offer guidance and support to help them succeed academically and personally.
​
Based on your availability, you get to choose meeting times with your mentee. You are not required to meet in person with your mentee! You will also be given an onboard experience training you to be the best mentor possible. (1.5 points for training)
​​
Points: 1 point for filling out interest form, 1.5 for onboard experience training, points vary by hours volunteered with mentee
​
Children's Lego Club
Second Saturday of every month: October 12th, November 9th, December 14, January 11th, February 8th, March 8th, April 12th, May 10th
2:40 PM - 4:30 PM
Champaign Public Library
​
The LEGO Club, hosted by the Champaign Public Library in partnership with Volunteer Illini Projects (VIP), is a monthly event held every second Saturday where kids aged 5 and up can build creative projects with LEGO blocks alongside their caregivers. As a volunteer, you'll help set up the event space and facilitate a fun and engaging environment for the participants. Your main role is to encourage children to explore their creativity, assist with any building challenges, and ensure that everyone has a positive experience!
Points: 1 point
​
​
Hope Center Food Pantry
Wednesdays
3:45pm-6:30pm
Hope Center 1802 N. Lincoln Ave. Urbana, IL 61801
Help Hope Center Food Pantry run their weekly Wednesday evening pantry! They prepare for Door Dash deliveries at 3:45 by putting together boxes of food and loading the delivery drivers’ cars. They then begin preparing for the evening distribution from 5-6. The jobs include recording client information, loading vehicles, loading grocery carts (inside), offering choice items and prayer. At the end they bring everything inside and have group prayer. You may arrive at whatever time works for you after the event begins, but please stay for at least an hour.
'Please sign up on both Hope Center Food Pantry's website and the Signupgenius provided by me. When you signup, type ”VIP” in the comments so they know you are part of our organization, and send a picture of you during volunteering and the hours volunteered to my email in order to receive points!
Points: Varies (check out the sign up list for points/times)
​
IMSS Nicotine Quit Pack Tabling
Recurring
Time and dates vary
​
We will be tabling a booth and providing resources to help quit nicotine for medically uninsured/underinsured individuals looking to do so, at events hosted by Illini Medical Screening Society. IMSS aims to make healthcare more accessible to medically uninsured/underinsured CU locals by providing free screenings including blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol readings, while being overseen by licensed healthcare providers. Our role will consist of handing out "nicotine quit packs" previously put together by VIP volunteers and providing these individuals with resources! This is part of a project we're starting with the ultimate goal of providing support to vulnerable CU local populations facing addiction.
Please use the link below to sign up and PLEASE NOTE that if you sign up for a shift, you are committing to attending. 24 hours notice is required if something comes up, as only 2 volunteers can sign up per shift. I will send out a reminder with more details.
This is a recurring event-- there will be a shift available every week or so. Note that locations and times vary for each shift so please read carefully. If you sign up for a Strides shift (off campus) I will be in communication with you shortly about transportation).
Points: 1 pt/1 hr, 2 pts/2 hrs
​
​
Interpretation Line
Times and dates are dependant on appointments
Location: The Immigration Project: 409 Devonshire Dr OR remote
​​
As volunteers, you will serve as interpreters for The Immigration Project, a non-profit organization that assists the immigrant community in the CU area by providing affordable legal services. Your role will be to facilitate communication between attorneys and their clients, particularly during interpretation sessions for those seeking asylum. After signing up, you'll meet with me for additional background information and training.
Points: 1 for signing up, .5 for training, and 1 point for the case they interpret for
​
​
Language Bridge: Volunteer Translator
Remote
​
Volunteers will help translate important documents from Spanish to English! This event aims to assist individuals in our community who need translations for documents such as birth certificates, college degrees, and even informative flyers from businesses around the community.
*When a document is needed to be translated, the Immigration Project Director will reach out to them to schedule training via Zoom, and then assign them a document the community partner needs help with translating.
Points: 1 point for registering, 1 point for training, and an additional point for each translation completed
​
​
Central High School Food Pantry
Pick Up
Every Tuesday
10:00-11:30 AM
Eastern Illinois Food Bank (2405 N. Shore Dr., Urbana) & Central High School (610 W. University Ave., Champaign)
​
Tutoring and Hunger & Homelessness are collaborating in search of a volunteer each week to help the pantry organizer pick up and load food from the Eastern Illinois Food Bank and unload it at Central High School. Transportation provided! Only one spot per week!
Points: 2 points
​
​
Petition Sign Ups
On your own time
A Google Doc will be provided with varying petitions in the Champaign-Urbana area as well as national ones. Here volunteers will have the opportunity to be a part of change that matters to them. There are petitions varying from animal care to changing government laws. Feel free to sign as many as you want!
​
Points: 0.5 point per petition signed