Several hundred Illinois State University students will help Normal residents with outdoor projects on April 13. (Photo courtesy Illinois State University)

By Eric Stock

NORMAL - Illinois State University students want to get to know their neighbors a little better.

Several hundred students are offering help with outdoor tasks for residents in Normal.

Harriett Steinbach, ISU's Coordinator of Student and Community Outreach, says through Bring it Back to Normal, students will paint, rake leaves, spread mulch and do other handiwork the morning of Saturday, April 13.

"The idea is students giving back to the citizens as kind of a thank you for your support. Folks who live in Bloomington and Normal support the community in many different ways," Steinbach said.

Steinbach said the community most heavily supports the university through attending sporting events and she wants to make sure ISU's neighbors have a good impression of those who attend school there.

"They live near campus sometimes, they hear some noise, they might get some trash thrown in their yard on a weekend. It's this idea of giving back to the citizens of Normal," Steinbach said.

“This service project allows the students to say thank you to the Town of Normal for supporting Illinois State University. Great projects like this build a stronger relationship between the Town and University,” said Michelle Stover of ISU's Student and Community Outreach.

Requests must be made by March 15. You can get more information here.

Those accepted will be contacted in early April.

Eric Stock can be reached at eric.stock@cumulus.com.