The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, perhaps like no one else during the past 60 years, encouraged all people to commit their lives to serving others.

The MLK Days of Service focus on encouraging Troy University students to serve their community in the same manner.

It’s in the spirit of King’s call to the service of others that Troy University dedicates a few days during January to serve the community while honoring his life and legacy. During the week of service, Troy University connects students with core initiatives and community partners such as Head Start, Community Gardens, Troy Elementary and Campus Kitchens.

The year’s week of service, which took place last week, inspired Troy students to reflect on King’s teachings as they participate in helping address community needs. 

“MLK service week means honoring Dr. King and what he has done for us by giving back to the community and doing something good in his honor,” said Jayla Sutton, a sophomore graphic design major from Atlanta.

For students like Sutton, volunteering is a rewarding experience.

“I volunteered because I feel as though the community can only be as good as the people in it, and it doesn’t hurt to take a couple hours to give back to your own community,” she said. “My favorite thing about volunteering is meeting the new people and the feeling of knowing I’m doing something to help and impact those who aren’t able to have what everybody else has.”

The Week of Service represents the University’s commitment to serving the Troy community in a variety of ways.

“Service is woven in the fabric of our campus and our students, and I think it’s a very important part of the Trojan spirit and the Trojan way,” said Lauren Cochran, Coordinator of Civic Engagement. “We really encourage all our students to serve and give back, because we live in a country and a place where we are very blessed. We’re grateful to give students this opportunity to roll up their sleeves and give back to others.”