Arcadia Celebrates MLK Day with Community Events

By Caitlin Burns | January 17, 2018

Claire McEntire ’18 assists Flourtown resident Kate Boczar with donations at the Repurposing, eWaste, and Shredding event.

Arcadia University honored the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with a free community shredding and donation event, a remembrance on campus, and a recognition ceremony in collaboration with Cheltenham’s NAACP and township and state government officials.

The University’s Community and Civic Engagement Center (CCEC) hosted the student-led MLK Day of Service Repurposing, eWaste, and Shredding event, which collected gently used items for regional nonprofit organization. Visitors could also securely and sustainably dispose of electronics through 611 Metals Recycling and documents with ShredOne.

“An event like this engages the community and memorializes Martin Luther King Jr.,” said Talia Giles ’18, organizer of the repurposing event. “As a community, we are coming together to support organizations that then help support people in need throughout the region.”

In total, the collection and donation event brought community members to campus to fill the wishlists of 13 organizations, including Philadelphia Reads, Habitat for Humanity of Montgomery and Delaware Counties, The Baby Bureau, Cradles to Crayons, and Philly Paws. This year, the collection emphasized the need for winter coats and baby supplies for victims of Hurricane Maria who have relocated to Philadelphia.

“I love this event,” said Flourtown resident Kate Boczar, who unloaded donations of clothing, bedding, coats, and kitchen appliances. “[People] want to give back, and it provides a sustainable way to do it.”

The University community also participated in America Sings Together, a nationwide event that brought community groups together to sing Amazing Grace at 11 a.m. in their local time zone, as well as hosted the 8th annual Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Recognition Program with the Cheltenham NAACP.