Responding to the call to serve where they are planted, University of Mississippi students are joining local residents in a Martin Luther King Day observance Jan. 16 aimed at benefitting the Oxford-Lafayette County community.
The MLK Day of Service begins at 10 a.m. at the Oxford Activity Center, 400 Price St. The three-hour event is co-sponsored by UM Volunteer Services/Office of the Dean of Students, UM Americorps, Volunteer Oxford, Oxford Park Commission and North Mississippi VISTA Project.
“For the past two years, members of the Ole Miss Black Student Union have traveled to Chicago the weekend of the King holiday to participate in service projects there,” said Valeria Ross, assistant to the UM dean of students. “While those experiences were rewarding, we want students to also discover that volunteering locally can be equally rewarding and is just as important, if not more.”
Scheduled events include a book reading and “singing corner” sponsored by Square Books Jr., an “I Have a Dream” poster station, MLK trivia and civil rights history nook, child-friendly games and arts and crafts.
“The public is encouraged to bring donated items such as canned food, laundry and dishwashing detergent, and general office supplies,” said Kelly Shannon, director of Volunteer Oxford and event coordinator. “Proceeds will benefit the Doors of Hope Transition Ministries and Boys and Girls Club of Oxford.”
The theme for the activity is King’s famous quote, “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is: ‘What are you doing for others?'”
To volunteer or for more information, call Volunteer Oxford at 662-236-6662 or email volunteer@oxfordms.net.