Throughout mid-January until mid-February, Community College Initiative (CCI) participants celebrated the Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service through community engagement and volunteering. The MLK Day of Service is the only federal holiday designated as a National Day of Service to encourage people to give back through volunteering. The holiday is also a time to reflect on the empowering and impactful legacy of Martin Luther King Jr., who envisioned a world of peace and equality for all.
To commemorate this eventful day, the College of DuPage cohort volunteered at DuPage Pads, an organization that provides interim housing to families and individuals without shelter across the Wheaton, Illinois community. The participants worked together to create snack packs for children so that they could have snacks like their peers at school and in between times when they are getting services from the county and other non-profits. The cohort made encouraging cards to put in each pack and decorated the bags with stickers.
College of DuPage Participants Volunteer at DuPage Pads
The Mesa cohort volunteered on the MCC campus, helping with landscaping and gardening. Participants at Valencia College hosted a simulation for faculty members and members of the campus community, where they explained the visa process as an international student, shedding light on the many steps and hurdles that international people face in order to gain a visa for countries like the U.S. The NOVA Annandale and Alexandria cohorts joined forces and served at Volunteer Fairfax’s annual MLK Day of Service event, Give Together. In partnership with Northern Virginia Community College, 700 volunteers came together to complete service projects for several community nonprofits supporting food insecurity, elder care, veterans, and animal welfare. CCI participants contributed by making Valentine’s cards for the seniors.
The NOVA Cohorts Serve at Volunteer Fairfax’s Give Together Event
The Fox Valley cohort volunteered at Feeding America, a nonprofit that feeds millions of people each year through soup kitchens, shelters, and food pantries. Participants aided the organization by packing food for distribution. Kirkwood participants volunteered at a Special Olympics Basketball Tournament and Sports Clinic on January 27th. Students had the opportunity to interact with members of diverse populations and gain an understanding of resources, services, and activities available for individuals with special needs through Special Olympics. They helped with keeping score of the game, handing out awards, assisting with skills stations, and aiding with the overall flow and coordination of the event.
Kirkwood Participants Keep Score and Facilitate a Special Olympics Basketball Tournament and Sports Clinic
The Northampton cohort gave back to the local community by writing thoughtful cards to people working in public sectors such as safety, health, and education. Sinclair participants volunteered at SCC’s MLK Day memorial event, where they helped attendees sign in for the memorial march and handed out fliers. Finally, the Bluegrass Community and Technical College cohort will serve meals at the HOPE Center, a Lexington based organization that provides life-rebuilding services for people struggling with poverty, addiction, and mental health.
The Northampton Cohort Writes Cards to Community Members
The cohorts also take part in educational and cultural opportunities, where they learn more about the history of MLK Day and the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr.
MLK Day inspires us to serve and continue to advocate for equality and human rights. Through their service and engagement with the community, CCI participants leave their own marks on the world, inspiring others to recognize the importance of volunteering and advocacy and spread the message of Dr. King.
Written by Holly Calhoun, Alumni Relations & Communications Coordinator