MLK Day of Service

Chester, Pa. – Widener University will take part in a number of community service and tribute events over the coming days to reflect on the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Since the university is closed Monday, Jan. 15 in observance of the day, students will use the time to mark the occasion throughout Chester.

“King’s connections to Chester are strong, having studied at the former Crozer Theological Seminary,” said Assistant Dean of Civic Engagement Gretchen Mielke. “At Widener, we are honored to carry on his legacy, as our students fan out across Chester for civic engagement projects and to give back to the community we’re proud to call home. There’s really no better place to do MLK Day work than right here.”

Members of the media are invited to cover the events listed below. Please contact Assistant Director of Communications Jessica Reyes at jmreyes@widener.edu or 908-268-9355 if you plan to attend.

Friday, Jan. 12

• Physical Therapy Mobility Clinic: Students in the Widener Institute for Physical Therapy Education will host their annual MLK Day of Service Mobility Clinic on Friday, Jan. 12 in various locations throughout Chester. The student-run mobile clinic will visit 10 community partner sites to provide health and equipment checks for individuals in need. Accompanied by a faculty mentor, groups of four or more students will perform blood pressure screenings and mobility device cleanings and assessments for devices, such as wheelchairs, scooters, walkers, crutches and canes.
• Members of the media are invited to visit Episcopal Place, 421 W. 24^th St., Chester from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Friday.

Monday, Jan. 15

• Hoops from the Heart: The university’s men’s and women’s basketball teams are  among four colleges hosting the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day “Hoops from the Heart” basketball clinic for boys and girls in first through eighth grade. Children will learn the fundamentals of basketball from Widener’s players and coaches. Proceeds from the clinic will benefit the Community Action Agency of Delaware County, a non-profit agency that provides services to needy families and individuals in the community. Since the initiative started in 2002, it has raised over $100,000 for CAADC programs. The athletes will also bring non-perishable food donations for the Life Center of Eastern Delaware County, one of CAADC’s emergency housing programs.
• Members of the media are invited to visit the clinic from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Monday in the Widener University Schwartz Athletic Center, E. 17^th Street and Melrose Avenue, Chester.
• 24^th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Service: Widener University’s Black Student Union will host the 24^th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Service. The service will be led by senior Destiny Saunders, president of the Black Student Union, and will include reflections, dance and song.
• The service is open to all and will be held in Alumni Auditorium on Widener’s Main Campus, One University Place, Chester at 6 p.m. on Monday.
• Day of Service in Chester: Widener University students will be taking part in a number of service activities in Chester from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Monday. Organized by the Office of Civic Engagement, students will be going to service sites, including The Boys and Girls Club, Cityteam and Third Presbyterian Church, as well as Chester’s Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Committee’s celebration at the Chamber Foundation.
• If you are interested in attending any of the locations, contact Jessica Reyes for details.