Office of Student Engagement

Service Trips with Volunteer Programs

Service Saturdays

Give Back. Connect. Grow. Join your fellow students for Service Saturdays—a series of community service projects dedicated to strengthening the Western/Central Illinois region. Whether you’re looking to meet new friends or deepen your ties to the local community, these events offer a meaningful way to get involved. To make participation easy, we provide free transportation from the Macomb campus and a free lunch for every volunteer.

Upcoming Projects: 
  • January 2026 - Living Lands & Waters (Moline) -  January 24th, 2026 - 7:30 AM – 2:00 PM.
    • WIU students will assist with packing and wrapping tree seedlings to prepare them for shipment across 24 different states.
    • Register by January: Sign up via Leatherneck Link.

  • February 2026 -

  • March 2026 -

  • April 2026 -

Past Projects: 
  • November 2025 - Home Sweet Home Ministries in Bloomington - Normal, IL. 

Image of Volunteers at Home Sweet Home Ministries in November 2025

Alternative Spring Break 

Western Illinois University's Alternative Spring Break (ASB) program engages individuals in short-term service learning experiences that challenge the social, political, and economic structures of our global community. This experience is designed to be a hands-on opportunity for students to learn more about themselves, others, and the world around them. This past year, we partnered with Living Lands and Waters. Students participated in nightly group discussions and reflection activities.

Cost: 

  • There are 4 payment dates that must be fulfilled or payment must be made in full. The dates will be determined at a later date. Students must be able to pay the full amount, $450, the week before the trip. 

You can learn more about Living Lands & Waters, and what we will be doing to serve the community by clicking here.Past Alternative Break Trip

Past Alternative Break Trips

  • Memphis, TN
  • New Orleans, LA
  • Kansas City, KS/MO
  • Denver, CO
  • Dallas, TX
  • Atlanta, GA

All questions about Service Trips can be directed to volunteer@wiu.edu