SMSU to Honor MLK Day with Community Service

Published Friday, January 10, 2025

Martin Luther King Jr.

This year, Southwest Minnesota State University will observe the Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday through an extended schedule of service opportunities. The mission in 2025 is "honoring the dream, serving the community."

A number of projects have been identified for individuals to participate in from January 13 to February 28, 2025. The organizations with available volunteer projects include:

United Community Action Partnership has opportunities to support the Food Shelf locations in Marshall, Tracy, Westbrook with food rescue, shopping, and truck deliveries. Contact Nicole Knobloch at nikki.knobloch@unitedcapmn.org 507-537-1416 ext. 1327
UCAP’s Free Tax Clinic, Locations Vary. Contact Michelle Jensen at michelle.j@unitedcampmn.org to volunteer. A CPA is required for volunteers who prepare tax returns.
SMSU’s Mustang Market, on campus, Marshall, MN. Flexible volunteer opportunities. Contact Joyce Tofte at joyce.tofte@smsu.edu or 507-537-7252. The Mustang Market also accepts donations. Financial Donations can be made by visiting www.SMSUFoundation.org and selecting “Mustang Market (Food Pantry)” to designate your gift.  
Lyon County Historical Society Museum is seeking volunteers to helps with storage room organization and moving. To sign-up, contact Jennifer Andries at director@lyoncomuseum.org or call 507-537-6580.

For the full list of detailed projects, dates, and schedules visit: www.smsu.edu/go/mlk

Organizers cited unpredictable January weather and low turnout as reasons for discontinuing the annual breakfast and programming previously scheduled on the third Monday of January. The change is intended to shift the focus on celebrating Dr. King’s legacy by engaging in service to the community.

Questions can be directed to Dr. Erin Kline, Assistant Vice President for Equity & Inclusion/Campus Diversity Officer at erin.kline@SMSU.edu or 507-537-6657.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day is Monday, January 20, 2025, no classes are scheduled and offices are closed in observance.