NCED VISTA Members Celebrate the Legacy of Dr. King Through Service

As part of the Corporation for National and Community Service’s “Make It a Day of Service…Not a Day Off” initiative and in support of President Obama's national call to service, United We Serve, Americans were encouraged to go out and volunteer in their communities to reaffirm the importance of keeping Dr. Martin Luther King's legacy of service alive and challenge us to make service a part of our lives - everyday of the year. Thousands of Nevada residents turned out to make the annual day of service a day on, not a day off by volunteering throughout the state. NCED VISTA members participated in several community events and service projects to mark the occasion.

On the eve of MLK Day, VISTA Supervisor Alex Cherup and VISTA member Judy Johnston joined community members for “42 Years in the Wilderness” a community event in honor of Dr. King. The event, sponsored by community partner Our Own Voices, included speeches, performances, and a candle light vigil honoring those who sacrificed during the Civil Rights Movement and today. Johnston noted, “I thought it was done in a very classy meaningful way. Every one was well spoken and eloquent. It was inspiring to think about the ideals of MLK and how far we’ve come and how much is left to do. I enjoyed it.”

VISTA Leader Lavell Tyler attended the America’s Sunday Supper event hosted by Catholic Charities of Southern Nevada's Senior Corps project. America’s Sunday Supper, a program of HandsOn Network, invites people from diverse backgrounds to come together to share a meal, discuss issues that affect the community and highlight the power of each one of us to make a difference. Senior Corps members and guests gave talks and presented videos of their memories of working and walking along side Dr. King. According to Lavell, “It was very moving to hear some of the stories and first hand accounts of protesting and fighting for equal rights. I went to the event with the intention to simply drop off some books for the book drive. I left inspired by the presenters’ passion for service.”

On the MLK Day of Service, People First Self-Advocacy and Youth Transition Project VISTA members and community volunteers came together to participate in service projects throughout the state.

In Carson City, VISTA members Jen Landman and Danielle Childress arranged food baskets at the Northern Nevada Food Bank along side fellow VISTA members Darcey Lewis and Kate Simmons of the Sierra Nevada Journeys VISTA Project. 20-30 volunteers stuffed bags of oranges, potatoes, and onions for families in need. Danielle laughs, “I wish oranges were the last thing we bagged. At the end of the day, we all smelled like onions.” A good time was had by all.



In Las Vegas, Diverse City Civitan members, People First Las Vegas chapter members, and community partners, sorted, cataloged, and shelved over 500 books while enjoying a meaningful day of service and fellowship at the Sam Smith Academy, a tutoring academy dedicated to helping at risk youth do better in school. VISTA members Santa Perez and Judy Johnston helped facilitate the service project. NCED VISTA Alums Jacqueline Khoury, Kenneth Thaycher, Paul Gully, and David Kilton were also on hand, continuing their commitment to service.

At a nearby lot, VISTA Leader Lavell Tyler facilitated a community beautification project. The team of youth volunteers and People First members removed trash from the lot that will soon house the Kingdom Community Center. They also cleared trash in the parking lot adjacent to the Smith Academy. The New Bethany Family Worship Center supplied it’s dumpster for disposal of the collected trash. Over 15 bags of trash were collected. 9 year-old Sydney Spain commented that she enjoyed being outside and helping.


In Elko, VISTA member Scott Carter helped facilitate a community fundraiser with People First of NV’s Elko and Winnemucca chapters. The ‘can drive’ fundraiser will benefit over 600 elderly and disabled residents in Elko, Spring Creek, Lamoille, and Carlin who use the NEAT bus. There are plans to extend the service project when People First members hold a Bowl-A-Thon. All proceeds from the fundraisers will go to help the NEAT bus continue to provide transportation in rural northern Nevada for those who have no access to public transportation.

All the projects were huge successes due to the efforts of NCED VISTA members and the many volunteers who donated over 200 volunteer hours helping realize King's dream of equality and opportunity for all. This year marked the 25th anniversary of the MLK federal holiday – a day that honors Dr. King’s legacy and commitment to transforming our nation through service to others. Thanks to all who supported our projects.