“Service,” Marian
Wright Edelman once said, “is the rent we pay for being.” On Monday, January 16, more than 30 Peirce
volunteers—students, alumni, family and friends of the College—met at our
sister school, Thomas May Peirce Elementary, to render our service in honor of the
Martin Luther King Day of Service.
Now in its 23rd year, MLK Day is a
national, annual event where volunteers lend their time, talent, and treasure,
to organizations in need of additional supports. This year, our energetic group rolled up its proverbial
sleeves and helped TMP by decluttering spaces, relocating the nurse’s office to
the first floor for easier student access, and painting motivational words and
pictures on the wallsto create an even more
welcoming learning environment.
Our Peirce volunteers
were not alone! Community members
including Greg Thomas (pictured) joined
in the action! This was Greg’s very first
time participating in the MLK Day of Service. He shared with us that he was
pleasantly surprised with the turnout of volunteers: “I expected more adults
than children, but I am impressed that so many children are here to
participate. I am encouraged to continue doing this next year.”
In addition to his deep connection with Peirce Elementary,
Greg also has a deep tie to Peirce! More than thirty-five years ago – in 1981,
his high school coach, a former Peirce employee, afforded him the opportunity
to take on a short-term custodian job at Peirce so that Greg could raise enough
funds to apply to college. Thomas is now
a 3rd grade teacher at TMP and inspires students with his energy, passion,
and an incredible work ethic.
One of Peirce College’s priorities is to ensure
we are lifting and supporting our communities. This is part of an evolving social responsibility platform aligned with
our mission. Look out for future
announcements about this work as well as other opportunities to support us with
your own time, talent and treasure. Can’t wait? Join us now by investing in our mission!