Fairmont State University and Tygart Valley United Way partner for annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service

Fairmont State University and Tygart Valley United Way have partnered once again for the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service. The event will honor the teachings and values of the late civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. through volunteer work benefitting local agencies.

“Dr. King preached about unity and treating others with kindness,” said Fairmont State Director of Career Services & Civic Engagement, Susan Rodriguez. “Coming together to give back to our community is the perfect way to honor those principles and celebrate the life of Martin Luther King Jr.”

Students and staff participating in the MLK Day of Service will be spending the afternoon serving at the Soup Opera, disassembling the 2022 Celebration of Lights decorations at Morris Park, helping at the Marion County Historical Museum and assisting in cooking classes at the Disability Action Center. Additionally, non-perishable food items will be accepted as donations for the local food pantry during the event opening at 11:30 A.M. in Colebank Gym.

“These are each wonderful opportunities to give back to our community,” said Rodriguez “These organizations all do such amazing things for the region, and we are honored to partner with them for the Day of Service.”

At 12 P.M. keynote speaker Pastor Leo Riley will give his opening remarks. Riley hails from Oak Hill, WV and graduated from Fairmont State with an Associate’s degree in Sociology and a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice. In 1981 Riley was ordained in the Gospel Ministry under the leadership of the late Apostle Donald L. & Rev. Johnnie Mae Johnson, Pastors of Miracle Revival Center Ministries in Fairmont, WV, where he served as an usher, Sunday School teacher, and Youth Pastor for 15 years. In 2009 Pastor Riley was installed as the one of Senior Pastors of Christian Love Ministries, along with his wife Regina.

The MLK Day of Service registration is currently open and can be accessed at www.fairmontstate.edu/MLKDayofService23. Boxed lunches and t-shirts will be provided.

MLK Day of ServiceCareer ServicesSusan Rodriguez