Wildcats for Service Host MLK Day of Service
LEXINGTON, Ky. (Jan 15, 2016) — Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a federal holiday held on the third Monday of January every year. This holiday celebrates the legacy of the influential American civil rights leader. It is seen as a day to promote equal rights for all Americans, regardless of their background.
In celebration of King, people across the nation come together to participate in service activities that positively impact different aspects of their community — the Martin Luther King Day of Service. For the fourth year, the University of Kentucky, presented by Center for Community Outreach Martin Luther King Jr. Wildcats for Service, is offering a service opportunity for students and employees, as part of the MLK Day celebration.
"I am so excited for MLK Day of Service this weekend," said Natalie Malone, Martin Luther King Jr. Wildcats for Service director. "My team has been working very hard with our community partners, the Center for Community Outreach, the MLK Center and our campus community to make sure Saturday is impactful and inspiring."
Wildcats for Service is a newly constructed student organization out of the Center for Community Outreach that came about this year. The organization strives to promote Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy by encouraging not only one national day of service, but 365 days of service.
The Wildcats for Service has partnered with organizations around Lexington to provide volunteer sites for those participating in the MLK Day of Service. There are 15 sites total, including the St. Agnes House, Lighthouse Ministries, the Catholic Action Center, Habitat for Humanity plus many others.
"The program has grown immensely over the course of the semester through various service events and conversations," Malone said. "Our partnership with the MLK Center has also immensely strengthened, which proves beneficial to both parties as we have the same goal. I hope this year will serve as a catalyst for the years to come!"
MLK Day of Service will take place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 16. Students and employees should sign up through Volunteer Match to volunteer with the event. The official starting point for the day is Manchester Music Hall, located at 899 Manchester St., Lexington.
Parking will be available on site. For students living on campus, transportation will be provided via shuttle service. Morning and evening pick up and drop off locations will be at Bowman's statue and the William T. Young Library.
Free food and a T-shirt will be provided at the event.
MLK Jr. Wildcats for Service is a program housed in the UK Center for Community Outreach. The CCO seeks to serve, connect and unite the University of Kentucky with the surrounding community in collaborative efforts to promote life-long community service.
For more information, email mlkwildcatsforservice.ukcco@gmail.com or call 270-791-1463.
MEDIA CONTACT: Katy Bennett or Rebecca Stratton, katy.bennett@uky.edu or rebecca.stratton@uky.edu, (859) 257-1909/(859) 323-2395