For the third year in a row, students and faculty in Abilene Christian University’s College of Education and Human Services are honoring Martin Luther King Jr. Day with a service project and inviting all of the ACU campus to participate.

Gathering and serving through a large-group activity isn’t possible this year due to COVID-19 restrictions, so the college is organizing a week-long drive to restock the ACU residence hall pantries. ACU has nine residence halls, and each has a pantry offering easy to access resources for students. These pantries have been widely used and require regular restocking. 

“Our students come to ACU from all different walks of life. For some students, making a quick run to the store is not an easy thing. We want all our students to feel at home and cared for and have access to things they need,” said Shannon Kaczmarek, director of residence life. “The hall pantries are designed to be easy to access and available to the entire community living in that building. We have a ‘take one, leave one’ philosophy so residents can contribute to the pantry as well. Based on the use of the pantries over the fall semester and the feedback from students, this resource is having an impact on students accessing what they need.”

Anyone may drop off items during office hours (8 a.m. to 5 p.m.) through January 20 in the Communications Sciences and Disorders office or clinic, the Kinesiology and Nutrition office, the Occupational Therapy office, the Social Work office or the Teacher Education office. The pantries are in need of non-perishable food, school supplies, hygiene products, first aid supplies and cleaning supplies.

In 1994, Congress passed the King Holiday and Service Act, designating the Martin Luther King Jr. federal holiday as a national day of service. This day calls for Americans from all walks of life to work together to provide solutions to our most pressing national problems. 

“As a college focused on service, we embrace this opportunity to join together to love and serve our community and honor Dr. King’s legacy,” said Dr. Jennifer Shewmaker, dean of the College of Education and Human Services.

Learn more about the College of Education and Human Services.