By Huntyr Schwegman
CHANUTE, Kan. — The Chanute City Commission on Monday approved a proclamation designating the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday on Monday, Jan. 20, as a Day of Service in Chanute. The proclamation was signed by Chanute Mayor Jacob LaRue, and was accepted by Sandy Haggard, the Neosho County Community College (NCCC) AmeriCorps Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) Director.
“On this day we will answer Dr. King’s call to serve by making a difference in the lives of Neosho County residents,” said Haggard. “We are honoring Dr. King’s legacy by working toward a more just and equitable society, where everyone is valued and respected, regardless of their race, religion, or background. By participating in service projects, we can bridge divides, heal wounds, and create lasting change that will benefit our communities for years to come.”
This year, NCCC RSVP is holding a collection drive for non-perishable food, baby products, and hygiene products to be donated to the Kansas Children’s Service League and Hope Unlimited. The “Hoops for Hope for Kids” Collection Drive and Information Booth will take place prior to the NCCC women’s basketball game in the Student Union on Wednesday, Jan. 15, from 4:30 – 6:00 p.m.
Observed each year on the third Monday in January, MLK Day is the only federal holiday designated as a National Day of Service. For 30 years, thousands of Americans of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds have joined AmeriCorps to participate in service projects to honor Dr. King’s legacy on MLK Day of Service. While much work remains to fulfill Dr. King’s dream of creating the Beloved Community, AmeriCorps remains committed to showing that joining together in service can unify Americans of different backgrounds and experiences to transform unjust systems through a fierce urgency of now.
“Everybody can be great, because everybody can serve,” Dr. King said. You don’t have to have a college degree to serve. You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love.”
The proclamation reads as follows:
Whereas, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., devoted his life to advancing equality, social justice, and opportunity for all, and challenged all Americans to participate in the never- ending work of building a more perfect union; and
Whereas, the King Holiday and Service Act, enacted in 1994, designated the Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday as a National Day of Service, and charged AmeriCorps with leading this effort; and
Whereas, on the 30th anniversary of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service, AmeriCorps remains committed to fulfilling Dr. King’s dream of creating a Beloved Community; and
Whereas, since 1994, millions of Americans have been inspired by the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., to serve their neighbors and communities on Dr. King’s Holiday; and
Whereas, serving on MLK Day is an appropriate way to honor Dr. King and through service and we can build stronger communities, expand civic opportunities, and foster respect for individual differences; and
Whereas, citizens of Chanute, Kansas have the opportunity to participate in events throughout our community on the MLK Day of Service, January 20, 2025, as well as create and implement community service projects where they identify the need;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Jacob LaRue, Mayor of Chanute proclaim the Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday as a Day of Service in Chanute and call upon the people of our city to pay tribute to the life and works of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. through civic, community, and service projects.
About NCCC
NCCC is a two-year college located in Chanute, Kan., offering 40+ associate degree and certificate programs. NCCC serves 2,200+ students annually in Neosho, Franklin, and northern Anderson counties, and throughout eastern Kansas at two campuses, five outreach sites, and seven high schools. For more information, visit neosho.edu.
About RSVP
NCCC AmeriCorps Seniors is a federally funded program aimed at engaging adults aged 55+ in volunteering at partnering non-profit agencies in Allen, Bourbon, Neosho, and Woodson, counties.
