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Dozens of Bluefield College students, faculty and staff spent a day in service, Monday, January 16, as a tribute to the legacy of service of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Chris Shoemaker

January 25, 2012

	Bluefield College students volunteer time at the Bluefield Union Mission, Bland Ministry Center, and WISE Center as part of a Martin Luther King National Day of Service.

As part of the campus community's efforts to live out the school's mission of "service to God and the community" and in conjunction with the MLK National Day of Service, 40 members of the BC family volunteered countless hours of assistance to the Bluefield Union Mission in Bluefield, West Virginia, the Bland Ministry Center in Bland, Virginia, and the WISE Center (Women in Search of Empowerment) in Bluefield, West Virginia.

"It was wonderful to see everyone working together at the different sites and giving back to the community," said Kristen Garrett, who organized BC's MLK Day of Service. "Everyone seemed to have a great time, and many have asked when we are going to have another day of service."

Sponsored by the Corporation for National and Community Service and the King Center in Atlanta, Georgia, the annual MLK National Day of Service is designed to mobilize thousands of non-profit groups, faith-based organizations, schools and businesses in a nationwide day of service to others. Additionally, the event helps keep Dr. King's legacy of service alive and challenges individuals to make service a part of their everyday lives.

"Martin Luther King once said that 'life's most persistent and urgent question is 'what are you doing for others?''" said Garrett. "Bluefield College wanted to answer that question by coming together on the King Holiday to serve our neighbors and our community."

The BC students, faculty and staff helped stock and organize food and clothes pantries. They also organized storage rooms and assisted with other daily activities of the local service groups.

"This event was a huge success," said Garrett. "We had 40 people give of their time on their day off to help others. I know the Union Mission, Bland Ministry Center, and WISE Women's Center were very grateful for the help."

The Bluefield College volunteers joined thousands of other Americans participating in the day of service. Typically, Americans of every age and background celebrate MLK Day through service projects that strengthen communities, empower individuals, bridge barriers, and create solutions. The event is just one way to transform Dr. King's life and teachings into community action that helps solve social problems.

"This national day of service honors Dr. King's legacy and his commitment to transforming our nation through service to others," said Garrett, "and it reinforces the core value we try to instill in our students to put service above self and to always be in service to God and the community."

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