In celebration of the 26th annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service, Arizona Serve, an AmeriCorps program of Prescott College, engaged over 150 community volunteers in eight service projects benefiting ten different local organizations. Dr. King’s life and legacy was also honored with the MLK Peace and Justice celebration, which moved virtually this year and featured keynote speaker Parris Wallace.
“Being part of AmeriCorps has made me appreciate the power of service,” said Madison Link, VISTA alumni and current Prescott State Team Leader for Arizona Serve. “On National Service Days, it’s amazing to know that all over the nation, AmeriCorps members are coming together to make a difference. It’s very powerful to be part of such an amazing group.”
Arizona Serve community volunteers dedicated 450 hours for their National Day of Service. Over 980 pounds of trash were removed near Granite Mountain School and the trails maintained by the City of Prescott. For Sonoran Prevention Works, 500 life saving Naloxone kits were assembled and over 80 reusable bags made out of donated t-shirts for People Who Care’s COVID-19 grocery deliveries. At the Chino Valley Community Center Park seven large garbage bags of debris and garbage were collected. The Community Nature Center painted five benches to amplify the COVID-Care Program. At Prescott Area Shelter Services a supply shed was organized that would have taken staff eight hours to complete and five blankets were made to benefit residents. Lastly, 42 trash bags of leaves were collected at Antelope Park in Prescott Valley.
“It is amazing the collective impact that has been created by this philanthropic community,” said Annie Reifsnyder, Director of Training and Member Management for Arizona Serve. “Dr. King’s legacy was certainly honored today and our AmeriCorps Members look forward to continuing it throughout their service year.”
All items collected will be divided based on need and donated to US Vets, Prescott Area Shelter Services, and the Coalition for Compassionate Justice during the first week of February. These organizations have expressed a need for the following items in particular: feminine hygiene products, baby wipes, facial wipes, soap, razors, shaving cream, lotion, deodorant, toothbrushes, and toothpaste. To participate in the Toiletry Drive drop off all donations at 308 Grove Ave in Prescott. For more information about the Drive or other ways to give back during the Martin Luther King Jr. National Day of Service visit arizonaserve.org or contact Mona Stephens at 602-759-0011.
Arizona Serve would especially like to thank Home Depot, True Value, and Nick’s Feed Your Face for their generous donations.
This was one day to make a collective impact, but Arizona Serve of Prescott College strives to fight poverty 365 days a year. AmeriCorps members commit 300 to 17,000 hours of service to nonprofits and government entities throughout the quad cities. If you would like to apply to serve, please visit arizonaserve.org
