The Mission
Grand Illumination seeks to increase civic-mindedness in UT students while meeting needs identified by the local Knoxville community. Each year, service projects are designed by residence hall students. The types of projects and groups served vary. This program has been operating since 1986 and annually involves over 100 UT students.
The Partners
This is a partnership between local charitable organizations and UT Housing. Past partners include Greater Knoxville Boys and Girls Clubs, UT Office of Veteran Affairs and the Knox County School Board. This year the activities will benefit the East Tennessee Children’s Hospital, Cards for Troops, and local assisted living facilities.
Impact on UT
Students and staff look forward to creating crafts and participating in activities to support members of the local community. Each year the students are challenged to examine the surrounding community and anticipate the needs of community members. After selecting target populations, the students select a need or issue they would like to address. The students identify resources and design appropriate service projects. The hope is to encourage more student-led community projects.
Impact on Community
The students who attend are invited to create items for the needs that have been identified to receive the crafts and other projects at the event. This year the students enjoyed the fun activities organized. The design a sock-snowmen, holiday cards for the troops, and holiday cards for senior citizens will be distributed locally in time for the holiday season.
Related Story>> Visit UTK Housing’s Facebook Page to see pictures of this year’s event
Contact
Links
TnToday: Students give annual event for families
Click here to read about more Partnerships that Make a Difference.