Sanjana Priyonti, Junior Editor
Braving the chill of winter, more than 462 people gathered at Sewanee’s Fowler Center to celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy through service. With a 72% increase in participation since the event began, the third annual MLK Day of Service had volunteers building 100 beds, complete with handmade blankets and pillows, for the region’s children in need.
The University of the South partnered with Sleep in Heavenly Peace to make the day a success. The event began in partnership with the Monteagle-Sewanee Rotary Club in 2022. Sewanee alumni Michael Payne, C’76, said the effort has brought 400 to homes across Franklin, Grundy and Marion counties.
Volunteers gathered in Fowler Center around 8:30 AM, enjoying a quick coffee (fortunately the coffee machine did keep up with the pace this year)
Volunteers were restless to get to work and jumped straight into the line after the speeches at the start.
They gathered early, ready to bring comfort to children in need.
Students and faculty worked side by side, measuring, cutting, and assembling beds.
Students with the headboard they made and knotting the blankets together to accompany the beds.
Passion and dedication for the work emanated in every corner of the Center.
There was a break for lunch followed by a speech from the Vice-Chancellor thanking everyone for their hard work. Volunteers made 67 beds in the morning shift itself, Leaving only a few for the afternoon session!
There were still plenty of blankets and pillows to work on during the afternoon. Everyone knotted the blankets and truly made the beds comfortable and cozy.
Once all the beds, blankets, and pillows were made, volunteers helped stack them on the truck and clean the Fowler Center.
The dedication of Sewanee’s community resulted in 1,500 volunteer hours and countless smiles. Together the enduring power of compassion and unity was celebrated.