College of Charleston students will head to 15 Charleston-area nonprofit agencies in a day of service on January 18, 2010. The MLK Challenge will honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. by sending teams of students into the community to complete a “challenge” project. The MLK Challenge kicks off at the Stern Center Ballroom at 9:30 a.m.

This year, teams of about 10 students each will head to Crisis Ministries, Berkeley Citizens, Florence Crittenton Home, the Charleston Animal Society and more with just $75 and a van. As team advisors for the challenge projects, faculty and staff participate by driving a passenger van, facilitating student problem solving and reflection, and serving alongside the students to help complete the project.

Since the first MLK Challenge in 2003, student teams have served their community by developing creative solutions to a range of needs.  Past projects have included painting the playground of a daycare for underprivileged children, weatherizing local homes and helping low income families reduce their energy costs, and providing fire safety awareness outreach.

Are you up for the Challenge? If you are interested in volunteering, email volunteer@cofc.edu by January 14 to reserve your spot.

For more information, contact Mary Pat Twomey at Twomeym@cofc.edu or 843.953.0810.