Volunteers from Southern Adventist University spent time helping local organizations around Chattanooga as part of MLK Service Day on Jan. 20. Many of the projects were moved indoors due to the frigid temperatures, but some volunteers still chose to tackle outdoor tasks.
Southern Adventist University students, employees and alumni continued the university’s longstanding tradition of honoring Martin Luther King Jr. through service to the community on Monday. The tradition began in 1993 with the university’s first MLK Service Day and continues to garner enthusiastic support.
“It’s a Southern tradition to take time on MLK Day to make a positive difference in our community,” said Cheryl Craven, director of Christian Service at Southern. “My hope is that our students experience the joy of service and make it a way of life, both during their academic career at Southern and following graduation.”
Approximately 1,000 participants joined together to serve organizations and community members in the Chattanooga area, including the Chambliss Center, the AIM Center Clubhouse, the Samaritan Center and Sleep in Heavenly Peace.
Angel Guerrero, junior film production major, built bunk beds for children who don’t have a bed at the Sleep in Heavenly Peace warehouse in Chattanooga.
“What impacted me was the realization that there are many people, even kids, without a bed,” he said. “To me, service is sharing the love of God without having to talk. Actions speak louder than words.”
According to Esel Choi, freshman psychology major, “Service is giving without expecting anything in return.” She worked with a group writing letters to people who are dealing with depression. “It was a blessing to me that I was able to send messages of encouragement to people who are losing hope.”
Chehalis Eno, senior English major, pieced together puzzles for the Samaritan Center in Ooltewah, so the thrift store can be sure they aren’t missing any pieces before selling them. “Puzzles have always been a great social activity for me, and I’m glad to know that my work will enable someone else to experience the benefits of puzzles as well. I love any opportunity to make a difference in people’s lives, and I’m so glad Southern has given me so many opportunities to do so.”