Patients at McRae Family Dental had the opportunity to receive a free meal. J.J. Harris teacher and volunteer Vanessa Ford believes seeing the faces of those who received food is the most important part of volunteering. “Today, we’ve seen lots of happy faces because the food was sort of a surprise,” Ford said. “After they got their dental work, they came out and got free food and lunch. So, just to put a smile on people’s faces means a lot.”
By JURNEE LOUDER – Junior Copy Editor
Martin Luther King Day of Service is a national holiday that challenges citizens nationwide to make a difference in their community.
On Jan. 19, citizens across the country volunteered and dedicated their time to better their community in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Although Martin Luther King Day of Service is intended to be a day of charity, some Clarke Central High School students feel that others just see it as a day off.
“I think students see this as a day to not go to school,” junior Serena McElreath said.
McElreath believes it’s important for students to take time and better their community, especially since it means a lot to her.
“(MLK Day of Service) means a lot to me personally,” McElreath said. “It’s a holiday to recognize freedom in every single human being. More people should volunteer.”
McElreath thinks CCHS should emphasize the fact that MLK Day of Service is not only a free day but also a day to volunteer and give back.
“I think (the school) should give us (volunteer) options for things to do instead of just giving us a day off,” McElreath said.
HandsOn Northeast Georgia offered some volunteer options that students might be interested in with choices ranging from food drives to cleanups. McRae Family Dental held a food drive for MLK Day of Service along with other service options.
“What we do is service people in all aspects. We have chiropractors, we have blood drives, we have health screenings, we have dental services and (the food drive),” dentist Dr. Matthew McRae Jr. said.
Volunteers for the food drive held at McRae Family Dental are hoping to inspire others to volunteer as well.
“I (want to) be a good role model for others to show that a day off can really be a day (to volunteer)” J.J. Harris teacher and volunteer Vanessa Ford said.
Students who are interested in volunteering have the opportunity to do so at McRae Family Dental next year.
“Just call (McRae Family Dental),” McRae said. “We’ll be doing the same thing next year.”
