January 19, 2009
By Laura Trager
Millions of Americans across the country honored King with community service today-Arkansans were no exception.
Central Arkansans joined hands in community service projects big and small.
Nearly one hundred people unloaded and sorted food for the Arkansas Foodbank Network--lifting and toting alongside friends, coworkers, even fraternity brothers.
At the Unitarian Universalist church it was a smaller affair, but no less important. They collected warm clothing and food for later donation, as Martin Luther King Jr. and President-Elect Obama looked on.
Seventy middle school kids took a pledge to be young heroes--a part of the city year program. Then they got right to work.
In all, energy and enthusiasm were high. Hope, change and unity were the major themes.
“I feel proud right now because now I have a change to become somebody. I'm proud to be an American right now," said Young Hero Jessie Miranda.
"Its a day where we come together for the betterment of our people and if we move our people, do service and be inspiring to individuals, we can live out King's dream, which is that everybody can be great because everybody can serve," said volunteer and Arkansas Tech student Jamel Jones.
Many people we spoke to said the day was inspiring. But a few also said they'd like to see this energy carry forward, so that every day can be a day of service for others.