Students Join Community for MLK Day of Service

Events to include mentoring middle school students, community projects

OXFORD, Miss. – Groups of University of Mississippi students are working with Lafayette County and Oxford volunteers to improve community organizations and inspire junior high males to further their education.
Members of the university’s Office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, Office of Volunteer Services, McLean Institute and other campus organizations are teaming with Volunteer Oxford in the annual Day of Service in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, which is Jan. 21. Events scheduled include a mentor breakfast, opening ceremony, service fair, vigil, poster contest, community service projects and closing speaker.
The Rev. Leroy Wadlington will deliver the keynote address during the opening ceremony at 9:30 a.m. in the Jackson Avenue Center.
“I am excited that our students and the entire L-O-U community are taking advantage of this opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others,” said Valeria Ross, assistant dean of students for multicultural affairs and volunteer services. “Volunteering is a means by which communities are built and relationships strengthened. It is awesome that our students are taking this opportunity to participate in endeavors like these.”
Participants are excited about being involved in such a worthy cause, said Sarah Ball, Volunteer Oxford director.
“This national day of service honors Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy and commitment to transforming our nation through service to others,” Ball said. “The L-O-U MLK Day of Service offers members of the community a chance to engage in a variety of volunteer opportunities that are designed to give back to the community.”
The MLK Day Planning Committee hopes everyone will save the date so that they can take part in the full slate of activities planned for the day.
For more information about L-O-U MLK Day of Service, contact Valeria Ross at vross@olemiss.edu or Sarah Ball at volunteer@oxfordms.net
–Edwin Smith, Ole Miss News Desk