Norco College faculty, staff, and students came together in the spirit of service and reflection during the recent Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service, with 52 participants taking part across Riverside County. The day began with an opportunity to learn about the work of the Civil Rights Institute of Inland Southern California from Executive Director Sabrina Gonzales, followed by reflections on the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. shared by a member of his fraternity, Alpha Phi Alpha.
Participants then engaged in two hours of meaningful service, selecting from five service activities designed to support local communities and campus initiatives. Off-campus projects included: socializing with seniors at the Rose M. Eldridge Senior Center, where participants played games and created Valentine’s Day cards that will be distributed to homebound seniors through the Family Service Association in San Bernardino and Riverside counties. Other teams supported environmental stewardship through a Skyline Hiking Trail cleanup and hands-on work at Huerta del Valle Community Farm, including weeding, litter collection, and planting.
On campus, volunteers contributed to a Norco College clean-up and gardening effort, as well as organizing the closet for the Basic Needs and Wellness Center. Collectively, these activities reflected Dr. King’s enduring message of service, equity, and community engagement, reinforcing Norco College’s commitment to making a positive impact both on campus and throughout the region.