A Day Off Becomes a Day On

January 19, 2015: Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

On a day that could have been spent lounging on the couch with pizza and a movie, almost 200 students spent their day off on Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day learning about and bettering the community around them. Embodying the true spirit of the day, Ducks gardened, cleaned, organized, and painted at local community organizations and schools. Volunteers painted hallways and classrooms at Shasta Middle School, Cascade Middle School, and Willamette High School. At Willamette High School, volunteers grabbed shovels and rakes to help beautify the grounds, spreading mulch, pulling plants, and raking leaves. In partnership with Arc of Lane County—a non-profit that serves people with intellectual and developmental disabilities—students spent time bowling with 25 families. This activity allowed children and their parents to relax and enjoy a fun activity with our volunteers. These Ducks ended their day off with an increased sense of connection with their community and fellow students, having left their surroundings a little better. We appreciate all the volunteers, sponsors, and partners that helped this day of service be a huge success.