As we prepare to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., we are inviting faculty, staff and students to take part in Mississippi State University’s MLK Days of Service on Tuesday [Jan. 20] and Wednesday [Jan. 21]. 

This year, we are bringing service directly to campus through a meaningful, hands-on project that responds to an urgent community need. With the anticipation of harsh winter weather in January and February, volunteers will assemble winter survival kits for individuals in the Starkville community and throughout various regions of Mississippi. These kits will provide essential items to help keep our neighbors warm and safe during the coldest months of the year.

We are partnering with Starkville Strong to distribute kits locally, as well as provide an educational presentation featuring real data on homelessness in Starkville, stories from individuals with lived experience and practical ways participants can continue supporting this population beyond the event. We are also partnering with Mississippi State’s Office of Emergency Management to include informational preparedness and safety handouts in each kit. 

To expand our impact beyond Starkville, we will also be partnering with numerous organizations statewide including: Mississippi Balance of State Continuum of Care in Jackson, Salvation Army in Tupelo, Golden Triangle Regional Homeless Coalition in Columbus, MUTEH: Mississippi United to End Homelessness in Jackson and Mississippi Housing Authority Section IV in Columbus.

Event Details:

• Date:
  • Wednesday, January 21
• Location: 
  • Colvard Student Union, 2nd Floor, Foster Ballroom
• Shift Options:
  • 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
  • 12:30 p.m.-1:30 p.m.

To ensure this opportunity is accessible for those serving during their lunch hour, we will provide a light lunch option for volunteers. 

Faculty, staff and students can register for a service shift by visiting the Cowbell Connect Service Page or by scanning any of the MLK Days of Service QR codes displayed across campus on flyers, digital signage and A-frames.

The MLK Days of Service are rooted in Dr. King’s call to action—reminding us that service is a powerful way to create positive change and strengthen our community. 

Whether participants attend individually or as part of a group, this is an impactful way to live out that message together.

If you have questions, please feel free to reach out. Thank you for helping us make this year’s MLK Days of Service meaningful, accessible and community-centered.