Over 400 Volunteers Participate in United Way’s MLK Day of Service

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Spartanburg, S.C. – On Monday, January 15, 2024, more than 400 volunteers came together in Spartanburg to serve over 1,000 total hours at local non-profits in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Spearheaded by the City of Spartanburg and United Way of the Piedmont (UWP), the day began with a free community breakfast provided by Denny’s Mobile Relief Diner at the Dr. TK Gregg Community Center.

During breakfast, several prominent community members spoke of Dr. King’s legacy. Said Alex Williams, Denny’s SVP and chief operating officer, “As a company whose mission is to feed people, mind, body and soul, we find inspiration in the servant leader model Dr. King represented through his civil rights work. Participating in the Day of Service as volunteers and with Denny’s Mobile Relief Diner is one meaningful way we prioritize giving back to the Spartanburg community. I’m grateful for the relationship we have with United Way and the city that allows us to do work in the community that aligns with how we strive to treat our guests every day.”

Mitch Kennedy, Deputy City Manager with the City of Spartanburg, shared of Dr. T.K. Gregg’s legacy in Spartanburg and spoke of his commitment to the health and safety of his fellow community members. Chunsta Miller, Chair for the UWP African American Leadership Society, highlighted the importance of volunteering and how it bridges a gap, thus contributing to Dr. King’s vision of a Beloved Community. She encouraged everyone in attendance to “go forth and do some good.”

Following the breakfast, volunteers from all walks of life spread throughout the city and county of Spartanburg to work with non-profit organizations providing a wide range of services. From “period packing parties” to trail cleanup in Duncan Park to organizing spaces, community members went to work helping provide for those in need by assisting 18 individual organizations.

Joseph Walker, manager of the Habitat for Humanity ReStore noted that, “Organizing this space just isn’t something we can do during normal business hours, but with the help of the volunteers today, we’ve made it nicer and much more efficient.” He further commented that, “it’s the attitude of those serving that makes all the difference,” and that same attitude spurs volunteers to take action – to make this day off work for many a “day on” to honor Dr. King’s legacy of service. As Dr. King said, “Everyone can be great, because everyone can serve.”

About United Way of the Piedmont

United Way of the Piedmont is a local nonprofit that strengthens educational opportunity, economic mobility, and access to healthcare for Spartanburg, Cherokee, and Union Counties. We convene partners and mobilize resources to carry out our mission to connect, engage, and inspire people to transform our community. We believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to thrive, and that means everyone. Learn more at www.uwpiedmont.org.