During spring break many youth in the Charleston community – from kindergarten through sixth grade – utilized the week to enjoy spring break in a different way.

The Charleston Parks and Recreation Department decided to use this weeklong break as an opportunity for kids and some adults to give back to community.

The event came from the mind of Kim Wargo, the Charleston Parks and Recreation department supervisor.

The idea for spring break, Wargo said, originated from what the University of Illinois does for their service spring break, but with a local twist.

While the University of Illinois takes to the road for their spring break service program, Wargo said bringing this to the community in a smaller way obtains a similar effect.

Children were able to choose which events they wanted to help out with, whether that would be for two days or every day. Wargo said this allowed the children to open up their interest on what they want to do to help out their community.

Monday, area youth visited the Coles County Animal Shelter. During their time they got to walk dogs and play with cats. Also, children made toys for pets, which they would then give to the Genesis Animal Rescue.

Tuesday, students made a trip to the Catholic Charities in Mattoon. The children split into groups while they were there and helped dress dolls for display, laid out and sorted bags and hung clothes.

Wednesday’s activities were canceled because of snow and were postponed until Friday.

Thursday is a favorite among participants, Wargo said. The activities involved the students traveling to the Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center. During their time at Sarah Bush they stuffed teddy bears for children who are sent into the Emergency Room.

“Receiving these teddy bears comforts them during that scary, stressful time,” Wargo said.

Friday, the students had the opportunity to experience the activities originally intended for Wednesday. They picked up trash along Fourth and Seventh Streets and made birdhouses for local Alzheimer patients.

Later in the day, students devoted their time to the final activity for the Charleston Rehabilitation and Health Care Center. The time spent for this activity was devoted to making and passing out popcorn while socializing and playing games with the residents.

Originally, this event was done every year as a day camp for children but this year with the “twist of community service.”

It is designed to show community members that children can play a role in improving Charleston. She said it will resonate particularly well with children of a young age who want to help and are willing to volunteer for their community and give up time during spring break.

After the children give their service to local community organizations, they took time to have fun and play games.

Blake Warman can be reached at 581-2812 or brwarman@eiu.edu.