Six days, six students and a five-hour car ride made the service trip to East St. Louis possible.
The service trip, run by campus ministry, gave St. Ambrose students the opportunity to volunteer their time over spring break. They helped at six different locations in the community.
Students helped by assisting teachers, working in information technology offices, and by doing handy-work. Â Although, Bailey Burgart, a junior at St. Ambrose, was able to put her talents to good use.
The Cedar Rapids native is an elementary education major and is involved in a wide range of different clubs and groups around campus. Burgart is the vice president of the education honor society on campus, Kappa Delta Pi, a cast member in the upcoming musical Chicago, and an alto in the university chorale.
St. Ambrose students spent time volunteering at the Griffin Center, but Burgart spent her time working at the DeShield’s Center, which had an after school program for children to attend. At the center the children would receive help with homework, use the computer lab, and spend time playing games and having fun.
“All of the students loved having us there to talk to and play with,” Burgart said.
Burgart was able to use her vocal skills and help Sister Brenda Fritz and the Hope and Harmony Choir that she started. Most of the students who attended the after school program were from public schools in East St. Louis. At their schools, art programs had been cut so being a part of the choir was very important for the children.
They were learning the Sister Act 2 version of Joyful, Joyful and Burgart would assist Sister Fritz with groups of students who came to rehearse with her. Eventually the children will learn more songs and perform them in the community.
In addition to the DeShield’s center, Burgart and the rest of the students from SAU worked at a domestic violence center, Thea Bowman Catholic School, and other after school programs.
Burgart’s trip came to a close on Friday, March 15 with a trip to the St. Louis arch and a mass with students from Thea Bowman.