DBU students serve community on MLK Day

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DALLAS—More than 75 Dallas Baptist University students spread across the community to serve their neighbors on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, in honor of the civil rights activist who taught the importance of making a positive impact on communities.

Dallas Baptist University student Beckett Ammons paints a child's face during service projects on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. DBU student-athletes worked in venues around the Metroplex as part of a day of service to the community.

The DBU teams, each composed of student-athletes, volunteered at four locations across the Metroplex.

The volleyball team partnered with Cornerstone Baptist Church in Dallas.

"MLK service day was a great way to start off the spring semester and serve our Lord. We were able to smile and love on many underprivileged and homeless people at the MLK Day Parade," said Cathy Kokel, head women's volleyball coach.

"Some of us picked up trash around the church and MLK Day Parade, while others served food to the masses. We served over 2,000 bowls of chili and pastries. It was a precious and humbling experience to me and my team," she continued.

Four members of the DBU swim team joined with the Dallas Baseball Alliance for the fourth annual All-State Give Back Day at the Thurgood Marshall Recreation Center.

During the day, the student-athletes painted faces, played basketball and baseball, and even hula-hooped with neighborhood children who were out of school for the day. They worked with this year's National All-State Give Back Day Hero John Darjean, a former professional baseball player, and other volunteers.

"I enjoyed seeing the kids' faces light up when they learned a new skill," said sophomore Amy Brewer.

Playing with foster children from the ACH Child and Family Services, as well as other children from the baseball alliance and recreation center was a great treat for the DBU students.


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Across town, 18 players from the men's basketball team rolled up their sleeves and worked at Brother Bill's Helping Hand.

The students spent the day stocking the food pantry, cleaning the facilities, raking leaves and helping with other projects around the building. That afternoon, they were able to go to the new location of Brother Bill's, which will open later this year, and pick up trash and then pray over the facilities that will provide much-needed services and ministries to the area neighbors.

The track team spent their day serving with Mission Arlington at an apartment complex in the area. They helped with various projects around the complex, ranging from cleaning out several vacant apartments to digging holes for a water pipe.

"It's not always easy," said junior Jesse Benes as he was covered in mud after digging for pipes, "but it was great working together to serve the community."


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