From January 26 to February 27, the Jones Center for Leadership served as a catalyst for connecting students with local organizations to positively impact the community through volunteer work, honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s legacy of social change. During the month-long event, 691 UT students, faculty, or staff volunteered with 23 community partner organizations to support various community efforts across the region. From collecting litter with Keep Knoxville Beautiful to sorting through donated clothes with Ladies of Charity, volunteers had the ability to select from a wide range of service opportunities that aligned with their interests. The total community service hours recorded was 1,651, with an estimated value of $50,438 in volunteer impact.
691
UT students, faculty, and staff volunteers served throughout the month
23
Community partner organizations benefited from volunteer services
1,651
Total hours of service recorded
$50,438
Estimated value of volunteer impact
In its 25th year, the annual initiative has grown to a larger format to accommodate a wider range of community needs across the greater Knoxville area. This expansion was made possible through the Jones Center providing transportation to a portion of the events, hosting partner organizations on campus to foster direct interactions, as well as extending the duration of the event itself. As a result, volunteers were able to build deeper connections and contribute to the area in a way that was more meaningful and widespread.
“Serving as a Jones Center Ambassador for MLK Days of Service was incredibly rewarding,” says Anna Floyd, a sophomore studying economics and psychology. “I loved seeing how it strengthens the community by bringing students together through mutually beneficial service and giving them a firsthand look at how local organizations support Knoxville. I especially enjoyed hearing what students took away from each of their experiences.”
The month-long service event concluded with a wrap-up celebration that included free T-shirts and snacks and recognized the work of the many volunteers who dedicated time to serving various community partners. Students, faculty, and staff came together to share their experiences and commemorate the contributions they made to the region.
We are thankful for the dedication and energy of the Jones Center and student volunteers during these MLK Days of Service.
Katherine Bambrick Ambroziak, Odd Fellows Cemetery Reclamation
“We are thankful for the dedication and energy of the Jones Center and student volunteers during these MLK Days of Service,” says Katherine Bambrick Ambroziak, project designer, researcher, and coordinator for the Odd Fellows Cemetery Reclamation in Knoxville. “Working on site at Odd Fellows Cemetery, volunteers immerse themselves in activities of care, working to reclaim the landscape and the cultural heritage of the East Knoxville community. Braving cold and rain, but also enjoying a few warm spring days, their spirits never wavered, and they made great impacts.”
The Jones Center would like to thank the participating students, faculty, and staff for their significant efforts, as well as the participating organizations that have collaborated with the university to help facilitate and serve our community. Beyond the MLK Days of Service, the Jones Center regularly posts about volunteer opportunities; UT community members interested in continuing their volunteer journey can visit the ServeUTK platform through the Jones Center website to view opportunities and sign up for future volunteering shifts.
