By Zach Maxwell
“Life’s most persistent and urgent question is: What are you doing for others?” – Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Southeastern Oklahoma State University will celebrate a national holiday on Monday, Jan. 20, honoring one of our country’s most beloved leaders. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Birthday (Observed) will be free of classes, but the Dean of Students and the Office of Student Life have organized a day of service to mark the occasion.
“This day of service has long been a tradition here,” said Liz Howard, Student Activities Coordinator for SE. “We usually have 50 to 80 students participate in the event.”
This year’s focus will be a food drive for Durant food pantries. These food banks serve hundreds of people in Bryan County and often struggle to maintain food stocks after the holidays, Howard said.
“Everyone wants to donate during times of giving, but people don’t realize that these pantries get empty every week.”
Participating students, faculty and staff are asked to bring canned food items to the start of the Monday event on the second floor of the Glen D. Johnson Student Union. The event gets going at 8 a.m. with a moment of reflection.
Afterwards, transportation will be provided for all SE volunteers to the food pantries for food delivery and organizational assistance. Lunch will be provided for the volunteers in the Student Union following the event.
For more information or to volunteer, contact the Office of Student Life at (580) 745-2947.