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South Dakota MLK Jr. Day 2009 Home
On Martin Luther King Day (January 19, 2009) a group of over 130 people came together in Vermillion, SD. They met at 11am and were broken into different groups and assigned different service projects which included:
· Collecting cans for the food pantry · Collecting items for Domestic Violence Safe Options Services · Cleaning and reorganizing books at the library · Painting at 2 different organizations · Alex’s lemonade stand · Clowning at the hospital · Doing projects with the Vermillion community garden · Working with the Lion’s Club · Creating and presenting a play on diversity at an assisted living facility · Preparing and serving a meal at our local Welcome Table · Helping an organization prepare for a rummage sale · Two separate cleaning projects at the United Methodist Church · Working on a construction project alongside Habitat for Humanity
After a quick lunch they broke up and spent the next 3-5hours volunteering around the community. Upon their return they were asked to respond about how their day went. They had the option of using the following prompts:
1. In 1-2 sentences describe what you did today
2. Why did you choose to serve today?
3. What was your favorite part about the day?
4. What’s one new thing that you learned?
5. Do you believe that serving on MLK Jr. Day is important? Why?
6. Do you plan to serve in the future?
The following is a compilation of their responses in no particular order. Please take a moment to read through some of them and learn about all the fantastic projects that happened on MLK Day. You can also see some photos from the day's event by clicking on the "photos" tab above!
If you participated in this event please feel free to click the “easy edit” button and add or change a post!
Our assigned project was to paint sign markers for the community garden. I came with a friend who invited me to participate in MLK day. The highlight of the day was spending time with children in the community, meeting and making new friends. I believe serving and living everyday is important.
Jan Nachtigall USD; Anth/Art double major
1.Today I made posters for Community Garden Seed Swap. Then I went around town looking for places to hang our posters at. 2. I chose to serve today because I just wanted to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. day differently. And I just like doing community service. 3. Working and meeting new people. I also liked going around town looking for places to hang the posters at. 4. How to make new older friends. And do more community service 5. Yes I do. Because he tried to make the world a better place to live in.6. YES I DO!
SIGNED SIERRA FURRY
1. Today team #5 (consisting of two adults and 3 children, ages 2, 6, and 8) set up an “Alex’s Lemonade Stand” in the local Pamida in an attempt to raise money for pediatric cancer research. Despite a very low public turnout, we happened to give away about two gallons of lemonade and raise a little over $20.
2. I chose to serve today because I have not really done much public service in my 23 years of life and I decided that now was as good a time as any to finally start giving a little bit of time back.
3. My favorite part of the day was watching little children give their time in an attempt to raise money for a cause that they don’t really even understand; they had been raised by their mother to simply give.
4. I learned that community organizations can be much more supportive of local volunteer activity than many of the nationally-located companies. People are very willing to support a cause as long as those who are volunteering can present valid reasons why their cause is important.
5. Serving your community is not necessarily important just on MLK day, but like the other national holidays, it is one time when we can convince the majority of Americans that they too can give back instead of sitting back and watching others do the giving. It’s a time for consciousness-raising, just as Earth Day can be seen as a time for consciousness-raising about one’s environmental impact; MLK day can be a time of consciousness-raising about the impact one day’s work by a few people can have on their surrounding social environment.
6. I do plan on continuing serving the communities in which I find myself. I’m not going to serve for any delusional “I’m saving the world through my actions” type attitude, but, the way I see it, if I don’t do my part to improve my little piece of society, I shouldn’t expect anyone else to do anything either.
Eric Haaland; Sisseton, SD
Today we planned & organized an event at the Vermillion Assisted Living. We planned a bingo party. It was an appropriate themed event for the age range of participants, most were under the age of 13. I chose to participate today because I feel giving of one’s time is very important and a valuable lesson to teach my children. Overall it was a great experience except for the fact that the time span was too much for the kids participating and also to lengthy for the residents of the assisted living. We waited 2 hours in anticipation of the next group to come and do their play, my suggestion would be to have 1 group go ahead with their activity, leave and then the next group could have come in to do their activity. The afternoon got to long for all involved but was still a rewarding experience.
Sheri, Vermillion SD
My MLK day was exciting, fun, and challenging! We put together a skit that reflected how diverse our country really is and how discrimination is present all the time. The only to avoid this discrimination was to use love! My group was made up of primarily 6th-8th graders. Working with these kids made it evident that age barriers and discrimination happens too! We started off the day brainstorming about what diversity means and how discrimination hinders diversity. In order to demonstrate diversity we talked about how each of us celebrates our holidays. We found out that no holiday celebration is that same in any family. I think this was really exciting to these kids and me because it really showed what diversity we have in each other! We performed our skit today at a nursing home that wasn’t expecting us! That was funny! We then went to another nursing home that was expecting us, a few hours late! I think the anticipation made our skit that much better! My favorite part about today was talking with our group about diversity and seeing everyone in our group learn and understand more about each other! Today I learned that even though we may be a white majority, there are differences we need to embrace that are beyond our skin color. And that isn’t always easy! Serving today on MLK day made me and others in our group realize how important it is to make a habit out of serving others! After all, Love is the only answer to hatred! And small Random Acts of Kindness can really make a big difference
Evie Johnson, Watertown SD
We organized a play for the Senior Citizen Center, and it came out quite well. Unfortunately, we went to the wrong nursing home and therefore arrived late to the Center. Since none of us had even heard of the Center we were supposed to go to, it might have been nice to know which one we were supposed to go to.
Robby Erikson Vermillion, SD
I volunteered at MLK day at the High School. It was new and interesting, definitely cool! People were put into groups for community service. Our group went to the hospital to clown and cheer up the sick. A lot of them, lonely and sad because they were there 24/7, cheered up as soon as we entered the room, excited to have visitors! My most memorable time was when we met the patient Ardell. He was so excited to see us! I actually know him from our church… Anyway, it was really fun. I had an awesome time, and really hope to do it next year! Thanks, Jacquie Lonning! (Clowning mentor, and best friend)
Anna Hackemer, 5th grade—Vermillion, SD
1. We helped frame and level the inside walls of the Center for Children.
2. I chose to serve as part of Habitat for Humanity at USD and because I am a huge believer in giving back to the community in any way possible.
3. I most enjoyed when one of the adult volunteers, a parent of one of the children in the Center, told us how much he and his child appreciated our help. Also, when the contractor, Nick would very politely give us pointers and keep us on track.
4. I learned how to use a hiltee.
5. Yes, I feel it is important to serve any day possible.
6. Yes.
Patrick Davis--- Yankton, SD
1. We helped prepare a rummage sale for the Vermillion Area Arts Council. First we cleaned out the basement of the Washington Street Arts Center. Then we took all of the items that were to be sold and put price tags on them. The biggest task we had was to clean the basement out.
2. I chose to serve today because I thought that this would be a great opportunity for me to give back to the community of Vermillion.
3. My favorite part of the day was the sense of accomplishment that our team felt when we saw our accomplishments.
4. I got to see first hand the amount of work it takes for an event, such as a rummage sale, to take place.
5. Yes I believe it is important to serve today but I also believe that it is important to serve the community any time that an opportunity arises.
6. Yes I do.
Mark Turner--- Bowdle, SD
1. We helped organize a rummage sale for the Vermillion Area Arts Council. First we cleaned out old lumber, paint and misc things out of the basement of the Washington Street Arts Center. Then we took all of the items that were to be sold and put price tags on them. The biggest task we had was to clean the basement out. I also spent some time shoveling snow and ice off the front steps of the center.
2. My roommate served on the committee preparing for today and talked a lot about the great projects that were going to be done. I thought it was not only a great opportunity to support her, but also to give back to the community I live in. As a student at USD I am very aware of how much support the community gives to not only the university, but to many activities that I have participated in.
3. My favorite part was just knowing that what we were accomplishing today was making the community better. I also really enjoyed the community members that I met and worked with.
4. I personally had very little prior knowledge of the Area Arts Council before today and took the opportunity to ask a lot of questions about the program and ways to get involved past today. Without serving there with MLK I may have spent my whole time at USD not ever knowing what a great organization we have right here in Vermillion. During our break we had a chance to sit down with Norma who was one of the members of the council, and listen to her share things that she remembered about MLK and what it was like growing up in the south during the time of his life. Since most of my previous knowledge of MLK has only been from textbooks mainly I enjoyed hearing a new perspective from someone who lived it and could remember what was going on in her life during the civil rights movement. I thought it really gave a great perspective to the whole day.
5. I thought this was a great opportunity and am thankful that I had the chance to be a part of it. I can’t think of a better way to spend the day than in service.
6. I am definitely not only looking forward to next year, but for more opportunities like this to give back. Ashley Weede— Cherokee, IA
We raised funds for pediatric cancer research via a lemonade stand at Pamida.
1. To actively engage in the service legacy of MLK Jr. and to continue this tradition with my children.
2. Having my children see how important service to your community is.
3. Cancer is the number one leading cause of death by disease for children 15 and under in the U.S.
4. Yes, I believe serving on MLK Jr. day is extremely important! MLK and many others literally died for unity, equity and justice for all. To me to take the day off is to do so in vain. It is our turn to serve and this day serves as a reminder to continue his legacy.
5. Yes! Service is an active part of my upbringing and cultural worldview that I wish and will continue to pass on to my children and grandchildren.
Erin Vermillion , SD
1. Today we cleaned out the basement of the Methodist church.
2. Just to help out however I could.
3. Driving garbage to the dump. I’ve never actually done so before because my family burns their garbage at home.
4. Dumping garbage can be expensive, not to mention messy.
5. Yes, MLK Jr. Day is a day to reflect and remember how King strived for a cause he believed was important. What better way to reflect that than to serve others the way he did.
6. Yes I do plan to serve in the future. This was a great experience for me and I met several new people.
-Andrew Vermillion, SD
Today, our group went to the United Methodist Church in Vermillion and cleaned out the closet used to hold supplies for the Welcome Table. It definitely needed some organizing and cleaning! Serving today was no decision at all! Not only was it the right thing to do, but it also was the least I can do for this community that has embraced me as a college student. My favorite part of the day was the intergenerational service aspect. Being a college student, I do not get to work side by side with many K-12 students. At our project site, I was able to work with two seventh grade girls and another college student. It was incredibly rewarding to see another generation rise up to the challenge! Serving today, on MLK Jr. Day, is very important, but it should not stop there. This should play the role of a launching pad for all to serve every single day of the year. It is time for this nation to think of every day as MLK Jr. Day. I have been serving since high school, and I will continue in the future. I hope the first-time volunteers and K-12 students discover a passion for serving others and make a commitment to continue on their journeys of service.
Erin Muckey Corsica, SD
Today, our group did this skit thing at the home. It was awesome, I got wear suspenders and walk around with a staff. We showed up early, but at the wrong home the first time. We did a show there, and then one of our people got this call, and we found out that we were at the wrong home. This was oddly hilarious. That was the best part of the day. I think that I will do this next year too.
Philip Erikson Vermillion, SD
I chose to volunteer for the MLK Day of Service because it was something that I hadn’t heard of before and I wanted to learn more. I spent the day with my group making posters for the Community Garden meeting and seed swap then distributing them. I had so much fun making posters with me group. Everyone was very creative. I had a chance to work with members of the community and learn more about Vermillion’s Community Garden. It is very important for members of the community and the campus to serve their community because when we give our time to make the community more beautiful everyone can benefit. I very much enjoyed my day spent volunteering and I look forward to participating in the day of service in the future.
Hannah Prentice Wessington, SD
Today we learned about clowning from Jacquie Lonning and then took our newly painted clown faces to the hospital to cheer up some patients. It was great fun! I chose to volunteer mostly because I had heard about it from Jacquie, and I recently went on an AWOL trip to Mexico that made me want to engage myself more in the community and think about others besides myself. My favorite part of the day was in the hospital room with Ardell, an elderly patient who was so excited to see us. It clearly made his day just to have some visitors, and it made the entire experience worth it for me. I definitely plan on doing this in the future!
Michelle Rydell, senior, Vermillion, SD
1. Today, I volunteered for MLK day. For the project, we cleaned the Welcome Table’s closet at the Methodist Church. We also organized the stuff in the closet.
2. I chose to serve today because I like helping around and I think volunteering is fun. It felt great to have done something to help out the community.
3. My favorite part of the day was organizing the things in the closet and just talking with my group.
4. One thing I learned was that even the littlest things can help out.
5. I think that serving on MLK Jr. Day is important because Martin Luther King Jr. did things to help people and I think that we should return the favor.
6. I do plan to serve in the future.
Anjie Ge-Vermillion, SD
Today we went to the Vermillion, Washington Street Arts Center and helped them prepare for a rummage sale on Saturday. Our activities consisted of carrying up boards, hanging up and organizing clothes, and hanging up signs to advertise down town. I decided to participate in the MLK volunteer day to become more involved in my own community. My favorite part of the day was during lunch break when a lady sat with us and told us her personal memories and experiences of when MLK Jr. was alive. Before today, I was unaware of the Washington Street Arts Center. Serving on MLK Jr. Day is important because helping others should be a never ending process. Serving in the community is what makes towns survive and getting a variety of people to help out in numerous ways is a great way to make the Vermillion community stronger. I plan to continue serving in the future and I hope others do too.
1) For my activity my group went to the Veteran’s Resource Center, and cleaned the center.
2) I choose to serve to get some community service in.
3) My favorite part of the day is learning more about the center and what they do as well as getting the director’s contact info to relay to the groups that I’m involved with.
4) I learned what occurs at the Resource Center.
5) I believe serving on MLK day is important, but shouldn’t be focused to one day a year, because you connect better with the community that you’re involved with if you do community service projects.
6) I plan on serving in the future whether through the MLK service day, through Habitat, or through any other community service organization.
-Josh R., Vermillion (USD student)
Today I helped clean out the basement of one of the Methodist churches in Vermillion. We had to move a lot of old, dirty, and broken things to the outside and bring them to the dump. I chose to serve today because it was the least that I could do to help my community. In lieu of the holiday, today is one of the best days to choose to serve. My favorite part of today was the beginning when all of the groups met in the high school gym. There was a sense of pride and excitement that filled the atmosphere. I learned that even though a task may seem overwhelming and impossible at first, but when everyone works together, the task is achievable and no longer daunting. I do believe that it is important to serve on MLK Jr. Day. A little bit of help from a few volunteers goes a long way to help a lot of people in need. No one knows when he or she will depend on the generosity of volunteers to help him or her, so until that day comes for me, I choose to be a volunteer. The greatest gift that people can give is the gift of their time. I definitely plan to serve in the future. It was an amazing experience and I am glad that I was a part of it.
Amber Kummer, USD Student, Mitchell, SD
Today I choose to volunteer within the Vermillion community through service to the Children’s and Families Center. Our service was to assist in construction of the new expansion to the center. Our group consisted of 8 members with relatively little experience in construction. As a team, with the assistance of Nick, a local construction expert we completed the tasks of framing in walls within the construction area. I chose to serve today because the opportunity to truly help the community does not present itself everyday. The best part of the experience was meeting new people with the same perspective on MLK Jr. Day. I learned a few new things about construction as well as what a helping hand can provide for the community. The importance of volunteering on this day is evident and should be continued in the future by everyone no matter their age or skills.
Matthew Fuhrer, Watertown
Today I helped create a little skit about diversity and performed it a two different retirement homes. I chose to serve today because I had nothing better to do and because Tina from the Center for Academic Engagement encouraged me to help. My favorite part of the day was to work with members of the community who are a different age than I am. Being a college student, I don’t get to work with many middle schoolers. I learned that kids who don’t normally act can put on a good show. Yes, serving on MLK Jr. Day is important because it is one of the best ways to honor Dr. King. Yes, I plan on serving in the future.
Lorena Reichert, Rapid City
1.Today my group and I made 62 posters for the Community Garden Seed Swap on February 17th.We dropped of most of the posters at businesses across the town of Vermillion to celebrate Martin Luther King,Jr day of Service..Everyone had a great time and they were very creative making the posters for the town. I think we did a good job getting the word out for the Community Garden Seed Swap.
2.I chose to serve today because I believed that our community needed the help. Helping Vermillion was really fun and easy.
3.I think my favorite part of the day was making the posters for the Community Garden Seed Swap. Also I made a new friend named Hannah.
4.One new thing I learned was everyone can help in one small way. Doing this was a huge experience that I’ll never forget.
5. I do believe that serving today was important because making posters is a good way to get the word out for the people who needed it. One small difference can one day be a huge difference if we really try hard.
6. I do plan to serve in the future because the feeling of doing something good fro someone else is totally sweet. Regards, Sydney
Today we went clowning around Vermillion. I chose to serve today because I enjoy volunteering and making people happy. I look forward to next year’s event!
1. Our group went to an assisted living place. We played games and talked with the residents.
2. I served today because I try to be an active participant in community service projects and I thought this would be a good way to get to know other people around Vermillion.
3. The best part of the day was seeing the elderly people get to interact with our group.
4. I learned how to come together with a group of people that were of all different ages and come up with a project to do with elderly people.
5. I thought that doing something today was important. That’s what they day is all about and I think that everyone should be involved.
6. I do plan on serving in the future.
--Bailey
· Collecting cans for the food pantry · Collecting items for Domestic Violence Safe Options Services · Cleaning and reorganizing books at the library · Painting at 2 different organizations · Alex’s lemonade stand · Clowning at the hospital · Doing projects with the Vermillion community garden · Working with the Lion’s Club · Creating and presenting a play on diversity at an assisted living facility · Preparing and serving a meal at our local Welcome Table · Helping an organization prepare for a rummage sale · Two separate cleaning projects at the United Methodist Church · Working on a construction project alongside Habitat for Humanity
After a quick lunch they broke up and spent the next 3-5hours volunteering around the community. Upon their return they were asked to respond about how their day went. They had the option of using the following prompts:
1. In 1-2 sentences describe what you did today
2. Why did you choose to serve today?
3. What was your favorite part about the day?
4. What’s one new thing that you learned?
5. Do you believe that serving on MLK Jr. Day is important? Why?
6. Do you plan to serve in the future?
The following is a compilation of their responses in no particular order. Please take a moment to read through some of them and learn about all the fantastic projects that happened on MLK Day. You can also see some photos from the day's event by clicking on the "photos" tab above!
If you participated in this event please feel free to click the “easy edit” button and add or change a post!
Our assigned project was to paint sign markers for the community garden. I came with a friend who invited me to participate in MLK day. The highlight of the day was spending time with children in the community, meeting and making new friends. I believe serving and living everyday is important.
Jan Nachtigall USD; Anth/Art double major
1.Today I made posters for Community Garden Seed Swap. Then I went around town looking for places to hang our posters at. 2. I chose to serve today because I just wanted to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. day differently. And I just like doing community service. 3. Working and meeting new people. I also liked going around town looking for places to hang the posters at. 4. How to make new older friends. And do more community service 5. Yes I do. Because he tried to make the world a better place to live in.6. YES I DO!
SIGNED SIERRA FURRY
1. Today team #5 (consisting of two adults and 3 children, ages 2, 6, and 8) set up an “Alex’s Lemonade Stand” in the local Pamida in an attempt to raise money for pediatric cancer research. Despite a very low public turnout, we happened to give away about two gallons of lemonade and raise a little over $20.
2. I chose to serve today because I have not really done much public service in my 23 years of life and I decided that now was as good a time as any to finally start giving a little bit of time back.
3. My favorite part of the day was watching little children give their time in an attempt to raise money for a cause that they don’t really even understand; they had been raised by their mother to simply give.
4. I learned that community organizations can be much more supportive of local volunteer activity than many of the nationally-located companies. People are very willing to support a cause as long as those who are volunteering can present valid reasons why their cause is important.
5. Serving your community is not necessarily important just on MLK day, but like the other national holidays, it is one time when we can convince the majority of Americans that they too can give back instead of sitting back and watching others do the giving. It’s a time for consciousness-raising, just as Earth Day can be seen as a time for consciousness-raising about one’s environmental impact; MLK day can be a time of consciousness-raising about the impact one day’s work by a few people can have on their surrounding social environment.
6. I do plan on continuing serving the communities in which I find myself. I’m not going to serve for any delusional “I’m saving the world through my actions” type attitude, but, the way I see it, if I don’t do my part to improve my little piece of society, I shouldn’t expect anyone else to do anything either.
Eric Haaland; Sisseton, SD
Today we planned & organized an event at the Vermillion Assisted Living. We planned a bingo party. It was an appropriate themed event for the age range of participants, most were under the age of 13. I chose to participate today because I feel giving of one’s time is very important and a valuable lesson to teach my children. Overall it was a great experience except for the fact that the time span was too much for the kids participating and also to lengthy for the residents of the assisted living. We waited 2 hours in anticipation of the next group to come and do their play, my suggestion would be to have 1 group go ahead with their activity, leave and then the next group could have come in to do their activity. The afternoon got to long for all involved but was still a rewarding experience.
Sheri, Vermillion SD
My MLK day was exciting, fun, and challenging! We put together a skit that reflected how diverse our country really is and how discrimination is present all the time. The only to avoid this discrimination was to use love! My group was made up of primarily 6th-8th graders. Working with these kids made it evident that age barriers and discrimination happens too! We started off the day brainstorming about what diversity means and how discrimination hinders diversity. In order to demonstrate diversity we talked about how each of us celebrates our holidays. We found out that no holiday celebration is that same in any family. I think this was really exciting to these kids and me because it really showed what diversity we have in each other! We performed our skit today at a nursing home that wasn’t expecting us! That was funny! We then went to another nursing home that was expecting us, a few hours late! I think the anticipation made our skit that much better! My favorite part about today was talking with our group about diversity and seeing everyone in our group learn and understand more about each other! Today I learned that even though we may be a white majority, there are differences we need to embrace that are beyond our skin color. And that isn’t always easy! Serving today on MLK day made me and others in our group realize how important it is to make a habit out of serving others! After all, Love is the only answer to hatred! And small Random Acts of Kindness can really make a big difference
Evie Johnson, Watertown SD
We organized a play for the Senior Citizen Center, and it came out quite well. Unfortunately, we went to the wrong nursing home and therefore arrived late to the Center. Since none of us had even heard of the Center we were supposed to go to, it might have been nice to know which one we were supposed to go to.
Robby Erikson Vermillion, SD
I volunteered at MLK day at the High School. It was new and interesting, definitely cool! People were put into groups for community service. Our group went to the hospital to clown and cheer up the sick. A lot of them, lonely and sad because they were there 24/7, cheered up as soon as we entered the room, excited to have visitors! My most memorable time was when we met the patient Ardell. He was so excited to see us! I actually know him from our church… Anyway, it was really fun. I had an awesome time, and really hope to do it next year! Thanks, Jacquie Lonning! (Clowning mentor, and best friend)
Anna Hackemer, 5th grade—Vermillion, SD
1. We helped frame and level the inside walls of the Center for Children.
2. I chose to serve as part of Habitat for Humanity at USD and because I am a huge believer in giving back to the community in any way possible.
3. I most enjoyed when one of the adult volunteers, a parent of one of the children in the Center, told us how much he and his child appreciated our help. Also, when the contractor, Nick would very politely give us pointers and keep us on track.
4. I learned how to use a hiltee.
5. Yes, I feel it is important to serve any day possible.
6. Yes.
Patrick Davis--- Yankton, SD
1. We helped prepare a rummage sale for the Vermillion Area Arts Council. First we cleaned out the basement of the Washington Street Arts Center. Then we took all of the items that were to be sold and put price tags on them. The biggest task we had was to clean the basement out.
2. I chose to serve today because I thought that this would be a great opportunity for me to give back to the community of Vermillion.
3. My favorite part of the day was the sense of accomplishment that our team felt when we saw our accomplishments.
4. I got to see first hand the amount of work it takes for an event, such as a rummage sale, to take place.
5. Yes I believe it is important to serve today but I also believe that it is important to serve the community any time that an opportunity arises.
6. Yes I do.
Mark Turner--- Bowdle, SD
1. We helped organize a rummage sale for the Vermillion Area Arts Council. First we cleaned out old lumber, paint and misc things out of the basement of the Washington Street Arts Center. Then we took all of the items that were to be sold and put price tags on them. The biggest task we had was to clean the basement out. I also spent some time shoveling snow and ice off the front steps of the center.
2. My roommate served on the committee preparing for today and talked a lot about the great projects that were going to be done. I thought it was not only a great opportunity to support her, but also to give back to the community I live in. As a student at USD I am very aware of how much support the community gives to not only the university, but to many activities that I have participated in.
3. My favorite part was just knowing that what we were accomplishing today was making the community better. I also really enjoyed the community members that I met and worked with.
4. I personally had very little prior knowledge of the Area Arts Council before today and took the opportunity to ask a lot of questions about the program and ways to get involved past today. Without serving there with MLK I may have spent my whole time at USD not ever knowing what a great organization we have right here in Vermillion. During our break we had a chance to sit down with Norma who was one of the members of the council, and listen to her share things that she remembered about MLK and what it was like growing up in the south during the time of his life. Since most of my previous knowledge of MLK has only been from textbooks mainly I enjoyed hearing a new perspective from someone who lived it and could remember what was going on in her life during the civil rights movement. I thought it really gave a great perspective to the whole day.
5. I thought this was a great opportunity and am thankful that I had the chance to be a part of it. I can’t think of a better way to spend the day than in service.
6. I am definitely not only looking forward to next year, but for more opportunities like this to give back. Ashley Weede— Cherokee, IA
We raised funds for pediatric cancer research via a lemonade stand at Pamida.
1. To actively engage in the service legacy of MLK Jr. and to continue this tradition with my children.
2. Having my children see how important service to your community is.
3. Cancer is the number one leading cause of death by disease for children 15 and under in the U.S.
4. Yes, I believe serving on MLK Jr. day is extremely important! MLK and many others literally died for unity, equity and justice for all. To me to take the day off is to do so in vain. It is our turn to serve and this day serves as a reminder to continue his legacy.
5. Yes! Service is an active part of my upbringing and cultural worldview that I wish and will continue to pass on to my children and grandchildren.
Erin Vermillion , SD
1. Today we cleaned out the basement of the Methodist church.
2. Just to help out however I could.
3. Driving garbage to the dump. I’ve never actually done so before because my family burns their garbage at home.
4. Dumping garbage can be expensive, not to mention messy.
5. Yes, MLK Jr. Day is a day to reflect and remember how King strived for a cause he believed was important. What better way to reflect that than to serve others the way he did.
6. Yes I do plan to serve in the future. This was a great experience for me and I met several new people.
-Andrew Vermillion, SD
Today, our group went to the United Methodist Church in Vermillion and cleaned out the closet used to hold supplies for the Welcome Table. It definitely needed some organizing and cleaning! Serving today was no decision at all! Not only was it the right thing to do, but it also was the least I can do for this community that has embraced me as a college student. My favorite part of the day was the intergenerational service aspect. Being a college student, I do not get to work side by side with many K-12 students. At our project site, I was able to work with two seventh grade girls and another college student. It was incredibly rewarding to see another generation rise up to the challenge! Serving today, on MLK Jr. Day, is very important, but it should not stop there. This should play the role of a launching pad for all to serve every single day of the year. It is time for this nation to think of every day as MLK Jr. Day. I have been serving since high school, and I will continue in the future. I hope the first-time volunteers and K-12 students discover a passion for serving others and make a commitment to continue on their journeys of service.
Erin Muckey Corsica, SD
Today, our group did this skit thing at the home. It was awesome, I got wear suspenders and walk around with a staff. We showed up early, but at the wrong home the first time. We did a show there, and then one of our people got this call, and we found out that we were at the wrong home. This was oddly hilarious. That was the best part of the day. I think that I will do this next year too.
Philip Erikson Vermillion, SD
I chose to volunteer for the MLK Day of Service because it was something that I hadn’t heard of before and I wanted to learn more. I spent the day with my group making posters for the Community Garden meeting and seed swap then distributing them. I had so much fun making posters with me group. Everyone was very creative. I had a chance to work with members of the community and learn more about Vermillion’s Community Garden. It is very important for members of the community and the campus to serve their community because when we give our time to make the community more beautiful everyone can benefit. I very much enjoyed my day spent volunteering and I look forward to participating in the day of service in the future.
Hannah Prentice Wessington, SD
Today we learned about clowning from Jacquie Lonning and then took our newly painted clown faces to the hospital to cheer up some patients. It was great fun! I chose to volunteer mostly because I had heard about it from Jacquie, and I recently went on an AWOL trip to Mexico that made me want to engage myself more in the community and think about others besides myself. My favorite part of the day was in the hospital room with Ardell, an elderly patient who was so excited to see us. It clearly made his day just to have some visitors, and it made the entire experience worth it for me. I definitely plan on doing this in the future!
Michelle Rydell, senior, Vermillion, SD
1. Today, I volunteered for MLK day. For the project, we cleaned the Welcome Table’s closet at the Methodist Church. We also organized the stuff in the closet.
2. I chose to serve today because I like helping around and I think volunteering is fun. It felt great to have done something to help out the community.
3. My favorite part of the day was organizing the things in the closet and just talking with my group.
4. One thing I learned was that even the littlest things can help out.
5. I think that serving on MLK Jr. Day is important because Martin Luther King Jr. did things to help people and I think that we should return the favor.
6. I do plan to serve in the future.
Anjie Ge-Vermillion, SD
Today we went to the Vermillion, Washington Street Arts Center and helped them prepare for a rummage sale on Saturday. Our activities consisted of carrying up boards, hanging up and organizing clothes, and hanging up signs to advertise down town. I decided to participate in the MLK volunteer day to become more involved in my own community. My favorite part of the day was during lunch break when a lady sat with us and told us her personal memories and experiences of when MLK Jr. was alive. Before today, I was unaware of the Washington Street Arts Center. Serving on MLK Jr. Day is important because helping others should be a never ending process. Serving in the community is what makes towns survive and getting a variety of people to help out in numerous ways is a great way to make the Vermillion community stronger. I plan to continue serving in the future and I hope others do too.
1) For my activity my group went to the Veteran’s Resource Center, and cleaned the center.
2) I choose to serve to get some community service in.
3) My favorite part of the day is learning more about the center and what they do as well as getting the director’s contact info to relay to the groups that I’m involved with.
4) I learned what occurs at the Resource Center.
5) I believe serving on MLK day is important, but shouldn’t be focused to one day a year, because you connect better with the community that you’re involved with if you do community service projects.
6) I plan on serving in the future whether through the MLK service day, through Habitat, or through any other community service organization.
-Josh R., Vermillion (USD student)
Today I helped clean out the basement of one of the Methodist churches in Vermillion. We had to move a lot of old, dirty, and broken things to the outside and bring them to the dump. I chose to serve today because it was the least that I could do to help my community. In lieu of the holiday, today is one of the best days to choose to serve. My favorite part of today was the beginning when all of the groups met in the high school gym. There was a sense of pride and excitement that filled the atmosphere. I learned that even though a task may seem overwhelming and impossible at first, but when everyone works together, the task is achievable and no longer daunting. I do believe that it is important to serve on MLK Jr. Day. A little bit of help from a few volunteers goes a long way to help a lot of people in need. No one knows when he or she will depend on the generosity of volunteers to help him or her, so until that day comes for me, I choose to be a volunteer. The greatest gift that people can give is the gift of their time. I definitely plan to serve in the future. It was an amazing experience and I am glad that I was a part of it.
Amber Kummer, USD Student, Mitchell, SD
Today I choose to volunteer within the Vermillion community through service to the Children’s and Families Center. Our service was to assist in construction of the new expansion to the center. Our group consisted of 8 members with relatively little experience in construction. As a team, with the assistance of Nick, a local construction expert we completed the tasks of framing in walls within the construction area. I chose to serve today because the opportunity to truly help the community does not present itself everyday. The best part of the experience was meeting new people with the same perspective on MLK Jr. Day. I learned a few new things about construction as well as what a helping hand can provide for the community. The importance of volunteering on this day is evident and should be continued in the future by everyone no matter their age or skills.
Matthew Fuhrer, Watertown
Today I helped create a little skit about diversity and performed it a two different retirement homes. I chose to serve today because I had nothing better to do and because Tina from the Center for Academic Engagement encouraged me to help. My favorite part of the day was to work with members of the community who are a different age than I am. Being a college student, I don’t get to work with many middle schoolers. I learned that kids who don’t normally act can put on a good show. Yes, serving on MLK Jr. Day is important because it is one of the best ways to honor Dr. King. Yes, I plan on serving in the future.
Lorena Reichert, Rapid City
1.Today my group and I made 62 posters for the Community Garden Seed Swap on February 17th.We dropped of most of the posters at businesses across the town of Vermillion to celebrate Martin Luther King,Jr day of Service..Everyone had a great time and they were very creative making the posters for the town. I think we did a good job getting the word out for the Community Garden Seed Swap.
2.I chose to serve today because I believed that our community needed the help. Helping Vermillion was really fun and easy.
3.I think my favorite part of the day was making the posters for the Community Garden Seed Swap. Also I made a new friend named Hannah.
4.One new thing I learned was everyone can help in one small way. Doing this was a huge experience that I’ll never forget.
5. I do believe that serving today was important because making posters is a good way to get the word out for the people who needed it. One small difference can one day be a huge difference if we really try hard.
6. I do plan to serve in the future because the feeling of doing something good fro someone else is totally sweet. Regards, Sydney
Today we went clowning around Vermillion. I chose to serve today because I enjoy volunteering and making people happy. I look forward to next year’s event!
1. Our group went to an assisted living place. We played games and talked with the residents.
2. I served today because I try to be an active participant in community service projects and I thought this would be a good way to get to know other people around Vermillion.
3. The best part of the day was seeing the elderly people get to interact with our group.
4. I learned how to come together with a group of people that were of all different ages and come up with a project to do with elderly people.
5. I thought that doing something today was important. That’s what they day is all about and I think that everyone should be involved.
6. I do plan on serving in the future.
--Bailey
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, Jan 25 2010, 4:49 PM EST
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