Northern Michigan University is planning a week of service activities around the theme, “Empowering Community through Action,” beginning with Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Monday, Jan. 20. The overarching goal will be to assemble and donate winter care kits to Room at the Inn to support those in need during the cold-weather months, but additional daily programming is scheduled as well.
The six items requested for each winter care kit include: one compact, foldable rain poncho; one package of hand/foot warmers; wrapped snacks that are easy to chew; one compact blanket; one pair of adult-size socks, with an additional warm hat or pair of gloves appreciated; and hygiene items such as band aids, deodorant, shaving razors, lotion, wet wipes, cotton swabs and antibiotic ointment. Donation bins are located at the Marquette Food Co-op, NMU Office of Diversity and Inclusion/Student Equity and Engagement Center, and the NMU Center for Student Enrichment.
The full schedule of service activities follows:
Monday, Jan. 20: Radical Togetherness—Crafting Kindness
Participate in breakout volunteer sessions to make blankets, inspirational cards and friendship bracelets, with lunch and inspiring speakers to fuel the creativity, from 1-4 p.m. in the Hedgcock Atrium.
Tuesday, Jan. 21: Advocacy in Action—Writing for Change
Materials and guidance will be provided for writing letters to state legislators advocating for equitable policies and systemic change from 1-3 p.m. in the Hedgcock Atrium.
Wednesday, Jan. 22: Nourishing Our Neighbors—Feeding America
Volunteer with Feeding America to help unload and distribute food to the Marquette community between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. at the Berry Events Center. The sign-up link is https://www.yoopersunited.com/need/detail/?need_id=1009357 .
Thursday, Jan. 23: Pathways to Belonging—Diversity Resource Fair
Students are invited to discover opportunities for getting involved and making a lasting impact on campus and beyond by connecting with organizations that champion diversity, equity and inclusion from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Hedgcock Atrium.
Friday, Jan. 24: Compassion in Action—Kit Assembly and Delivery
Celebrate the collective efforts of the NMU community in serving others and carrying King's legacy forward by assembling winter care kits and delivering them to Room at the Inn from 1-4 p.m. in the Hedgcock Atrium.
NMU's Office of Diversity and Inclusion has also launched an MLK crewneck and T-shirt fundraiser in support of upcoming Juneteenth 2025 events. Shirts can be purchased here.