News

The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once said, “All labor that uplifts humanity has dignity and importance and should be undertaken with painstaking excellence.” On the day that the nation honored King’s birthday, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s Center for Diversity and Inclusion (CSDI) hosted its second annual MLK Day of Service. 

More than 65 SIUE students, staff and their families assembled 164 winter care kits for homeless shelters on Monday, Jan. 20, and they did so with diligence and delight, according to Tarsha Moore, CSDI assistant director. 

This year, the CSDI held the donation drive because of an idea shared by CSDI Graduate Assistant Dyamond Ross. 

“The purpose of the drive was to help supply those in need with items that will help them make it through the rest of the winter,” said Moore. “Winter weather is harsher in January and February, and we wanted to help individuals experiencing hardship to better combat the weather.” 

“Each kit was unique based on items that were donated,” said Ross. “Donated items included hats, gloves, scarves, canned goods, oatmeal, water and various types of hygiene products. Volunteers also stuffed each bag with handmade cards with inspirational quotes and pictures.” 

“Our intention was to align the service project with the ideals of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.,” noted Moore. “More specifically, to provide students, faculty and staff with an opportunity to serve the community and to give back to those in need during the King holiday.” 

The care kits were taken to the following: Holy Angels Shelter in East St. Louis, Gateway 180 Homeless Shelter, Ronald McDonald House Charities and Haven House, all in St. Louis. 

The Center for Student Diversity & Inclusion provides resources and support through programming, mentorship and advocacy. It is a space for students to engage socially, culturally and intellectually. Staff members work directly with students to help them develop a sense of belonging and achieve success in the SIUE campus community. 

Photos:
Volunteering their time on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Service Day at SIUE are (L-R): Zach Stinebaugh and Stephen Baumgartner, both graduate students in industrial-organizational I/O psychology; Tyler Wheeler, a senior in education; Kyle Johnson, a senior in business management; and David Robinson, a senior in biology. 

Helping bring in food for care packages are (L-R): Bekah Anderson, Natalie Kulpinski and Morgan VanCleave, all graduate students in industrial-organizational I/O psychology.