Nearly 900 volunteers — including Stockton University students, faculty, staff and alumni, as well as local community members — completed various service projects on Monday, Jan. 20 in memory of the late civil and social rights champion the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
“I believe that Dr. King would be extremely proud to know that we are honoring him through public service and civic engagement, and I’m proud that we’ve maintained our designation as the largest MLK Day event in South Jersey,” said Brian K. Jackson, vice president of Community Engagement.
The service projects, ranging from craft projects that will line the halls of local schools, hospitals and senior living communities to packaging hygiene and wellness kits for local rescue missions, were available on Stockton’s Galloway, Atlantic City, Hammonton and Woodbine campuses.
“We have a big array of our campus clubs and organizations participating and hosting these projects,” said Taylor Coyne, coordinator of Service Learning for the Stockton Center of Community Engagement and Service-Learning (SCCESL). “Whether it be benefitting or assisting senior living facilities, local hospitals, animal shelters or other organizations, this is a great effort from our Stockton community and surrounding communities.”
The annual day of service, which was held for the 21st straight year, is a beloved staple and tradition for the Stockton community.
“Today is about living our values — engaging with our community, taking responsibility and honoring the powerful legacy of Dr. King,” Stockton President Joe Bertolino said. “Let’s carry Dr. King’s inspiration forward, not just today but every day, and leave this world a little brighter than we found it.”
