Martin Luther King Day – A Day of Service

For Gould, Martin Luther King Day isn’t a day off, but a “day on.” It’s become tradition to utilize the time as an opportunity to give back to the community. Classes break into groups to work together and with faculty on service projects that the History Department has arranged with non-profit organizations in Bethel, and around the state of Maine. History teacher Katie Stack took on the substantial task of organizing our efforts this year.

Maia ’20 stacking canned goods at the Bethel Food Pantry

“Life’s most persistent and urgent question is ‘What are you doing for others?’” – Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

While MLK Day comes only once a year, the hope is that giving back will plant a seed with students, and encourage them to make service for others a lifelong endeavor. “[We’ll be] putting Martin Luther King’s message into action, hopefully giving them experience with community service, and pushing them towards living lives of purpose and action.” says Ms. Stack.

Noah ’18 & Andrew ’18 sorting through medical supplies at Partners for World Health.

Non-profits that Goud partnered with for the day of service included:

1. Good Shepherd Food Bank
2. Bethel Food Pantry & District Exchange
3. Partners for World Health
4. New Beginnings (Teen Shelter)
5. Trinity Jubilee Center (soup kitchen)
6. Maine Adaptive Sports & Recreation
7. Maine Veteran’s Homes around the state
8. Maine Immigration and Refugee Services

Grace ’18 & Derick ’18 on the production line at Good Shepherd Food Bank.

“We really value giving back to the community,” said Grace Schierwagen ’18 who was helping to package food at the Good Shepherd Food Bank. “MLK Day is just one day where we can take a moment and realize what kind of privilege we have, and the kind of things we can do to give back to the community, it’s really special.”

Ms. Stack reflecting on the experience added, “Everyone returned to campus with smiles, stories to tell, and feeling proud of their contributions. I am always impressed with how Gould students are accepting, engaged, and compassionate young adults. Martin Luther King Day was a success and I am looking forward to next year!”

Taylor ’20 & Ella ’20 working the Maine Adaptive Sports & Recreation race

See more images from the day here

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