On Saturday, April 9, and Sunday, April 10, nearly two dozen Urbana University students, Urbana High School students and local Swedenborgian Church members assisted with the 2016 Community Clean-up sponsored by the Alicia Titus Memorial Peace Fund. Volunteers picked up trash and branches at Melvin Miller Park, throughout the Disc Golf Course, and at Oak Dale Cemetery 10 a.m.-5 p.m. both days. They also assisted those in need throughout the community by transporting their items from their homes to their curbs for curbside pick-up.
“We would like to say a special ‘thank you’ to the city of Urbana, “Helping Hands” Volunteer Service Program, and the Urbana University Chaplaincy Team for assisting us in recruiting our student volunteers,” stated Bev Titus, coordinator of the event. “Additionally, we thank Urbana University students and Urbana High School students for your commitment to service in our community. Your efforts contribute to creating a culture of peace with one act of kindness at a time.”
The Alicia Titus Memorial Peace Fund was established to continue the legacy of Alicia Titus, a former resident of Champaign County whose work as a United Airlines flight attendant led her to serve on Flight 175 on Sept. 11, 2001. She along with all others on that flight perished when terrorists flew the plane into the South Tower of the World Trade Center.
As a result of this tragedy, family and friends have channeled their grief into good, establishing the Alicia Titus Memorial Peace Fund at Urbana University to honor the exuberant young woman whose life was dedicated to the pursuit of peaceful living among human beings and loving service to others. Since 2002 the Peace Fund has raised money and mobilized volunteers to sponsor more than 30 projects and events to promote a culture of peace. Additionally, money has been raised to endow an annually awarded scholarship.
Gifts for the Peace Fund may be sent to University Advancement, Urbana University, 579 College Way, Urbana, OH 43078. To learn more about opportunities to serve the community, contact Bev Titus at [email protected]
