LAWTON Okla_ While many
folks decided to take advantage of a day off from work or school Monday, a
group of Cameron students dedicated themselves to making today a day on instead
of a day off.
Monday was the
National Day of Service in honor of Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday, and it
brought out over 200 Cameron students to various agencies across Lawton. They spent their
day painting, repairing, organizing or cleaning, to help out local
organizations like the Food Bank and the Boys and Girls Club.
The students were
all inspired by the work and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and they
wanted to honor him by showing up today and lending a hand. On a day that
celebrates the dream one man had to see a more unified United States, 200
volunteers flooded the community to remind everyone of the power of a little
positive action.
"I've seen
people all over town today," CU student Cassie Stanga said, "And I know they're
volunteering at places. I'm like, 'Wow, this is really cool', because a lot of
people have actually come together. A lot of people are doing a whole bunch of
different things."
Whether these
volunteers were painting, organizing the Lawton Food Bank or collecting donations
at a local grocery store, they said they were inspired by the legacy Dr. King
left with us.
"It gives
the idea that every single individual plays a really big part in a really big
world," CU student Akinola Akinilwan said.
On a chilly day
when sleeping in might have sounded really appealing, these students chose
service over sleep.
"It's just
really important to me," CU student Jacie Tarno said. "We have extra time, and
we were going to have class anyway today. So, why not help the community
instead of go to class?"
The volunteers
today all agreed: a little bit goes a long way. Every bit of service, no matter
how small, adds up to become a beautiful big picture. It wasn't just college
students vowing to make a difference. The Boys and Girls Club was filled with
kids lending a helping hand. 15-year-old Daniela jumped on the opportunity to
make today a day on, instead of a day off.
"I like
community service," Daniela said. "I feel bad for those kids that don't have it
all. So, I want to help."
As the
volunteers reflected on one man's dream for this country, they also thought
about their own dreams for this community.
"I want positive
change and unity," Stanga said. "I think that brings a community together a
lot."
"I want
people more to reach out and help others rather than be self-centered all the
time," Tarno said.
"My dream is
pretty much the one voice," Akinilwan said, "Where people, without race or
creed, can come together and get things finished. They can help the world
become a better place."
Food Bank Director Jeri Mosiman said she had a dream, too. She said her
dream is that one day she'd be forced to shut her doors, that there would be no
need for a Food Bank in Lawton,
because everyone would be well fed.
