News4JAX partnered with the United Way of Northeast Florida to commemorate the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service through various volunteer projects across Duval, Clay, and Nassau counties. This event not only honored King’s legacy but also engaged over 550 volunteers in meaningful community outreach.
Community Engagement Through Service
Bethel Church in North Riverside served as a central hub for the day’s activities. Volunteers of all ages participated in projects that included mulching, pressure washing, painting, and leaf clearing across multiple sites in the region. Melanie Patz, president and CEO of the United Way of Northeast Florida, noted the vibrant atmosphere, which included performances of songs like “Lift Every Voice and Sing” and children singing “This Little Light of Mine.”
Erica La Spada, the director of volunteer and community engagement for the United Way, emphasized the day’s focus on unity and collaboration. “The work lifts up ideas of unity,” she stated, highlighting the spirit of cooperation that characterized the event.
Among the volunteers was Allante Laster, who shared her experience during her first day of hands-on service. “We’re just clearing the leaves and the landscaping today,” Laster said. “You get out of community what you put into it. It’s fulfilling to do things like this, and we have a team here — they’re not in the room with me — but it’s nice to build those relationships with our friends and our coworkers.”
Honoring a Legacy and Supporting the Community
One poignant aspect of the day was the involvement of Latasha Hobbs, who dedicated her efforts to honor her son, Maurice Hobbs, who was tragically killed in 2017. She focused on helping a young father advance in his career as a merchant mariner, reflecting the event’s spirit of upliftment and support.
As the day concluded, participants reflected on the impact of their contributions and the importance of community service. The Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service continues to be a vital opportunity for residents to come together and make a positive difference in their neighborhoods.
The collaborative efforts of News4JAX and the United Way of Northeast Florida exemplify how local organizations can foster community spirit and pay tribute to significant historical figures like Martin Luther King Jr.
