BLOOMINGTON - The Lawrence Irvin Community Center was on the receiving end of a good deed Saturday as members of the McLean County Urban League's Young Professionals chapter picked up paint brushes and rolled up their sleeves.

Two rooms used for recreational activities and a mentoring program at the east-side center received a fresh coat of paint as part of the chapter's "Community Service Blitz." During October and November, the 15 member have completed three projects, including gathering donations for Home Sweet Home Ministries and mentoring students at Illinois State University.

Community involvement is a way for the young professionals to connect with minority youth who may need positive role models, said Anita Moore, president of the chapter, which formed in 2005.

"We're African-American professionals who want to be there for others," said Moore.

Success carries with it responsibility, said Delayna Dobbins, chapter vice president.

"It's important for us to give something back. Young people need to know it's possible to do more than what they may see on the street," said Dobbins, a social worker who was the first member of her family to attend college.

Irvin Director Dodie Dunson appreciated the effort to improve the center, 1612 W. Olive St., which provides programs for about 350 youth.

"I'm definitely grateful to them for donating their time. And it's good for them to find out what goes on with the youth and community," he said.

BLOOMINGTON - The Lawrence Irvin Community Center was on the receiving end of a good deed Saturday as members of the McLean County Urban League's Young Professionals chapter picked up paint brushes and rolled up their sleeves.

Two rooms used for recreational activities and a mentoring program at the east-side center received a fresh coat of paint as part of the chapter's "Community Service Blitz." During October and November, the 15 member have completed three projects, including gathering donations for Home Sweet Home Ministries and mentoring students at Illinois State University.

Community involvement is a way for the young professionals to connect with minority youth who may need positive role models, said Anita Moore, president of the chapter, which formed in 2005.

"We're African-American professionals who want to be there for others," said Moore.

Success carries with it responsibility, said Delayna Dobbins, chapter vice president.

"It's important for us to give something back. Young people need to know it's possible to do more than what they may see on the street," said Dobbins, a social worker who was the first member of her family to attend college.

Irvin Director Dodie Dunson appreciated the effort to improve the center, 1612 W. Olive St., which provides programs for about 350 youth.

"I'm definitely grateful to them for donating their time. And it's good for them to find out what goes on with the youth and community," he said.