KIRKSVILLE, MO. -- While most college students were hitting the snooze Monday morning, nearly 100 Truman State University students donated their time to 10 local agencies.
At the Kirksville Aquatic Center volunteers were cleaning the pool area and sanitizing the locker room.
Reporter asks, “Are you guys having fun today?”, “Actually, I was just thinking yes, we are. With this group of people, I’m glad we got stuck in the group that we did,” said MLK Challenge Volunteer Angel McGee. “I don’t think many of us knew each other beforehand,” said MLK Challenge Volunteer Lizz Esfeld.
MLK Challenge participants were cleaning, painting, and making gift bags for the kids at the Kirksville Part-Day Head Start.
Volunteers say they chose to help out so they could make the most of the day off. “We had the day off, why not? Nothing is coming out of it except the joy of knowing you're doing something for someone else,” said MLK Challenge Volunteer Kayla Jackson. “My uncle always tells me nothing comes to a sleeper but a dream. So I guess to get out and do something and feel motivated, why not? I think the only thing that I can really say is it will put joy in your heart to know that you did something for someone else if you were in this situation you would want someone to help you.”
At Preferred Family Healthcare, several office spaces are being renovated and remodeled.
“In an agency like this, it’s wonderful to have people in the community that can help us out in any way possible,” said PFH Program Director Kathy Hoppe.
Students say they’re honoring Dr. King on this day of service
“Just kinda embodying Dr. King’s legacy, just having respect for people your working with and working with unity,” said MLK Challenge Volunteer Derek Schirmer.
A group of volunteers went to the Adair County Humane Society to organize things in a supply shed.
“There are some people that need help that don’t get a chance to sit on the couch and just watch tv all day. So, it’s only one day and one day out of the year is not bad at all,” said Derek.
Most students say they had a good time spending the day “on” and not “off.”
“I think it’s wonderful to bring awareness to bring the opportunity for people to provide service and gain the intrinsic value, what a wonderful idea,” said Hoppe.
Other agencies participating include Kirksville Child Development Center, Field of Dreams Animal Rescue, Victim Support Services, the Salvation Army, and Hospice of Northeast Missouri.
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