This past Saturday State Rep. Dawnna Dukes held the 14th Annual MLK Blvd. Clean Up to honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Each year, this service project brings together hundreds of volunteers who dedicate time to beautifying the Austin street bearing King’s name.
“MLK Day of Service is the only federal holiday observed as a national day of service, a holiday that calls for all of us to work together to strengthen our community,” said Dukes. “I’m so grateful to see all of these empowered volunteers here today, dedicating their time and energy to honor Dr. King’s vision – a ‘Beloved Community.’”
This year’s day of service was solely dedicated to the beatification of MLK Blvd. United Way for Greater Austin (UWATX) supported the family-friendly event by recruiting 400+ volunteers through its volunteer program, Hands On Central Texas. Total volunteer hours for the day were 1,260! That’s equivalent to $27,606.60 in volunteer time given back to the community!
“Our vision is for Greater Austin to be a resilient, innovative, philanthropic, creative and thriving community for all,” said UWATX President Debbie Bresette. “What is happening here today supports this vision. I think Dr. King would be proud of Austin and the direction we’re headed.”
Volunteers gathered at J.J. Seabrook Park at 9 am for registration, supplies distribution and an official kickoff led by Rep. Dukes, Mayor Leffingwell and Huston-Tillotson President Dr. Larry Earvin. After the kick-off, volunteers dispersed along MLK Blvd. to pick up trash and beautify the major street.
It was a good event, however we were told that we would have shuttles available and I never saw one shuttle. This was a difficult walk back after bending and walking for a mile.