UServeUtah honored Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service on January 20, 2025, by partnering with Switchpoint Tooele, a local nonprofit that dedicates its efforts to addressing homelessness, food insecurity, and poverty through supportive services and community empowerment.
More than 100 volunteers of all ages joined the event, from preschoolers to seniors. They took on various projects including helping at the shelter, daycare, kitchen, thrift store, and food pantry. Volunteers cleaned, organized, shoveled snow, and assembled cold-weather emergency kits for individuals in need.
Following the service projects, UServeUtah staff led small group reflections. This gave volunteers a chance to share personal experiences and explore how to continue Dr. King's legacy through ongoing service.
Event Highlights
- A teenage volunteer shared his excitement about helping his community and forming a connection with Karen, an AmeriCorps Seniors volunteer.
- One family reflected on the significance of volunteering at the repurposed Harris Elementary. Both the mother and daughter once attended the school, which now serves the community in a new way.
- A senior volunteer expressed gratitude for the chance to give back alongside his grandson, highlighting the impact of multigenerational service.
- A mother, who initially arrived with "three grumpy kids," noted her children left feeling energized and eager to return. They found inspiration in how much more there was to do.
Together, these volunteers embodied the spirit of service and unity, honoring Dr. King's legacy by uplifting their local community.
What are United in Service projects?
UServeUtah's United in Service projects bring communities together through meaningful volunteerism. These projects help people grow personally, build connections, and address specific community needs. We achieve this by working closely with local partners to create each project.
If you're ready to experience this firsthand, we invite you to join us! We host these impactful projects quarterly throughout the state, giving you consistent opportunities to contribute. You can be the first to know about an opportunity near you by signing up for our newsletter.
Beyond volunteering, you can also propose a project idea for your community.