Volunteers mark MLK Day of Service by supporting Tulsa nonprofits

More than 130 volunteers across Tulsa rolled up their sleeves Wednesday to take part in City Year’s annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service.

Community Service in Action

The event, organized by City Year Tulsa, mobilized AmeriCorps members, staff, and local residents to serve at nonprofit organizations throughout the city. Volunteers helped sort food donations, pack supplies, and support local agencies in honor of Dr. King’s legacy of service.

Serving Tulsa’s Nonprofits

“This year, we thought it was really important to get out in the community and serve our partner agencies who are doing important work,” said Hollis McAllister, Chief of Staff for City Year Tulsa.

Volunteers were stationed at locations including the Community Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma, Iron Gate, Emergency Infant Services, RG Foods, and Habitat for Humanity ReStore.

Fighting Hunger with Hands-On Help

At the food bank, volunteers processed donations to support hunger relief efforts in a state where one in four children face food insecurity.

For some, the day was a family affair. Eleven-year-old Caesar returned to volunteer for a second time, proudly packing bags and encouraging others to help out.

“My mom taught me how to fold it so it’s easier to grab,” he said. “You can’t just lay around all summer.”

More Than a Day

City Year Tulsa recruits young adults ages 17 to 25 to serve in public schools as tutors and mentors. McAllister says events like this allow members to serve beyond the classroom and build lasting connections in the community.