HIGH POINT, N.C., Jan. 6, 2015 – High Point University is hosting a Day of Service on Jan. 19 in honor of civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. that will include more than 30 service opportunities throughout the day. Members of the community can sign up to participate by clicking here.
“This is a chance for the university and community to complete numerous projects that strengthen our city,” said Dr. Joseph Blosser, Robert G. Culp Jr. director of service learning and assistant professor of religion and philosophy. “I’m excited about the projects we will accomplish this year — from repainting Open Door Ministries, to hosting a field day and read-in at the YMCA, to teaching nutrition classes with Caring Services, and cleaning up our city streets — but I’m most excited for the relationships our faculty, staff and students will make with the residents of High Point.”
In 1994, Congress designated this federal holiday as a Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service: “a day on, not a day off.” This year, opportunities include serving lunches at Open Door Ministries, cleaning roadways, churches, painting, etc., around the community.
“Dr. King’s message was certainly one of service, but it was more deeply one of connecting with other people, recognizing their humanity and building bridges. We are High Point’s University, and this day is one illustration of that,” says Blosser.
Last year, more than 400 HPU students and faculty contributed 1,200 hours of service on this day – part of the 100,000 hours of service the university contributes each year.
In addition to the Day of Service, High Point University will also host its annual service of worship in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day at 11 a.m. on Jan.19 in the sanctuary of the Hayworth Chapel.