MLK Jr. Day of Service activities start Saturday
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once said, "Life's most persistent and urgent question is: 'What are you doing for others?'" Each year, Americans across the country answer that question by coming together on the King holiday to serve their neighbors and communities.
The MLK Jr. Day of Service is a part of United We Serve, the President's national call to service initiative. It calls for Americans from all walks of life to work together to provide solutions to our most pressing national problems.
Mississippi State's Maroon Volunteer Center is offering several opportunities to engage students, staff and the public through service:
Service Day at the Refuge, Jan. 18, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
At 2970 Bluff Lake Rd. in Brooksville, volunteers will assist in rehabilitating the refuge's native plant garden located at the Visitor Center on the south shore of Bluff Lake. Volunteers will help weed, mulch, trim vegetation and complete minor repairs to the brick walkways. Volunteers are encouraged to bring gloves and garden tools including shovels and rakes. Volunteers will receive a lunch for participating.
Sand Creek Food Pantry, Jan. 18, 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
At Sand Creek Chapel M.B. Church on Rockhill Road in Starkville, volunteers are needed to assist with food distribution and packing at Sand Creek Chapel M.B. Church. Volunteers can park beside the church and enter through the back or side door to check-in. Register as a volunteer at https://orgsync.com/70821/opportunities/582283.
MLK Jr. Day of Service with Oktibbeha County Fire Department, Jan. 20, 2 p.m.-5 p.m.
At Adaton-Self Creek Fire Station, 2160 Reed Rd. in Starkville, volunteers will visit the Adaton Fire Station for an overview of the OCFD, their role in a disaster preparedness and response, and a lesson on how they can be prepared for a disaster situation. Volunteers will then participate in a community service project before departing. A late lunch will be provided to all participants. To register as a volunteer, visit https://orgsync.com/61380/opportunities/684836.
Community Volunteer Fair, Jan. 20, 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
At the Starkville Sportsplex, 405 Lynn Lane, people interested in volunteering will meet and greet with local nonprofits and find volunteer opportunities that match interests and skills with the places that most need them.
All MSU students, faculty, and staff can make MLK Jr. Day a "day on," and not a day off by participating in a local community service project. Learn more about MLK Jr. Day service projects at https://orgsync.com/56643/news_posts/62889.
For more information, contact the Maroon Volunteer Center at volunteer@saffairs.msstate.edu or 662-325-2150.
