University News

#ForMacomb Event Scheduled Sept. 28

September 19, 2019

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MACOMB, IL -- When the Rev. Ben Ellefritz of The Crossing Church in Macomb started thinking about how he could make a difference in his home community, he thought that this was something that was bigger than just himself and that other people may wish to also get involved. As a result, the community-wide effort, #ForMacomb, was born and the inaugural volunteer event will take place Saturday, Sept. 28 in Macomb.

"The City of Macomb belongs to the people of Macomb. However, due to perhaps a myriad of factors, some of our residents may wonder if they need to be elsewhere. While these personal feelings are rooted in very real experiences, we believe this is also an ideal time to help our community and share what our community is about," Ellefritz explained. "What if we could draw everyone's attention to the good things that Macomb has to offer? Instead of hearing, 'Macomb has nothing,' what if we heard, 'I love living in Macomb.' We love Macomb and the people that call this place home, so how do we get everyone to see what we see, to love what we love, to give back, improve and lend a hand in restoring faith in our great community? That's where #ForMacomb comes in."

According to Ellefritz, the goal of #ForMacomb is to change the narrative. With the community movement, Ellefritz – who established the #ForMacomb Committee, which is comprised of individuals from Western Illinois University and across Macomb – wants to highlight the great things Macomb has to offer and elevate the ideals that have brought the community this far.

Registration for the community-wide day of action – which includes projects at WIU – will begin at 8 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 28 in The Crossing parking lot (West Jackson Street, Macomb), with volunteer jobs beginning at 9 a.m. To register, visit bit.ly/formacomb. More information is also available at facebook.com/4macomb/.

Following the projects, most running through 12:30 p.m., volunteers, community members, University members and any area resident, are invited to join together in Chandler Park for a BBQ from 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Community service tables will also be a part of the picnic so that individuals can sign up for additional opportunities available throughout the city.

"#ForMacomb aims to unite different groups of people who have historically been separate: from WIU students to local children to nursing homes and businesses. A united Macomb is a thriving Macomb," he added. "#ForMacomb is not about making Macomb look better; it's about bringing people together, united in a love for the community we all share."




Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
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