South Dakota Mines Students Lead Community Service on MLK Day, Honoring Dr. King’s Legacy
As the hills of South Dakota adorn themselves with the chill of January, the spirit of community service warms the hearts of many in Rapid City. For 16 years running, South Dakota Mines students have dedicated their time and efforts to honor Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy by engaging in a food drive that has profound effects on their community.
On January 19, from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m., these committed students will line up at various grocery stores across Rapid City. The chosen venues – Timmons Neighborhood Market, both Safeway locations, Family Fare stores, and Sam’s Club at Rushmore Crossing – are expected to welcome waves of generosity from local residents.
The endeavor aims to support Feeding South Dakota, a statewide hunger relief organization, along with South Dakota Mines’ student food pantry. This tradition of service provides a tangible way for students and residents to converge in a shared mission to combat food insecurity—an issue particularly pertinent in South Dakota, where the agricultural richness belies the hidden hunger many face.
Uniting the University and Community
“For the 16th year, South Dakota Mines is proud to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. through a student-led food drive,” said Joe Dlugos, Ph.D., the Mines dean of students.
South Dakota Mines
“Our students are deeply committed not only to becoming exceptional scientists and engineers but also to being engaged citizens with a passion for service and lifting others. My hope is that seeing so many Mines students giving back to the community on a federal holiday will inspire others across the Black Hills to reflect on how they, too, can make a meaningful impact.”
The inclusion of various student organizations showcases the diverse involvement within the Mines community. Participants include Delta Sigma Phi, the National Society of Black Engineers, the Society of Physics Students, Formula Hardrocker Racing, Baja SAE, Lambda Chi Alpha, Triangle fraternity, and Circle K. Each group brings unique strengths and perspectives, enriching the event.
Impact Through Numbers and Stories
Last year, the drive amassed over 2,000 pounds of food and nearly $1,250 in donations. These contributions go directly to alleviating hunger in a region where community and kinship are as much a part of the landscape as the Great Plains themselves.
Students and volunteers are also backed by Campus Ministries, offering hot chocolate to keep spirits high and morale strong during the chilly afternoon shift.
Contributions are not limited to presence at grocery locations. Donations can also be made at various points on South Dakota Mines campus—including the Surbeck Center lounge, the King Center, facilities, the Chemical and Biological Engineering and Chemistry (CBEC) building, and the Electrical Engineering and Physics (EEP) building. Checks made out to Feeding South Dakota and cash are both welcomed, with proceeds split between Feeding South Dakota and the student food pantry.
Extending the Celebration of Service
The university amplifies its commitment to service beyond mere collection. On January 20, a Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebration in the Beck Ballroom of the Surbeck Center will foster an enlightening discourse on food insecurity. Representatives from Feeding South Dakota will join community members in tackling this vital issue, with discussions augmented by the announcement of food drive totals and the presentation of awards to outstanding student groups.
This dual event not only underscores Dr. King’s vision of service but also reaffirms the coherent force of a community united by goodwill and purpose. In South Dakota’s heart, where emerald landscapes whisper tales of old and industrious people welcome visitors with open arms, Mines students are sowing seeds of compassion and weaving a narrative of hope that is felt statewide.
As South Dakota Mines continues to create leaders who not only excel academically but also serve with empathy, this annual tradition of the food drive speaks volumes about the values at its core. It is a reminder of the profound difference that can be made when dedicated citizens come together to serve a greater good.
Through collaborative efforts on MLK Day and beyond, South Dakota Mines and its enduring project embody the strength of unity and an enduring dedication to making a meaningful impact—a legacy Dr. King himself would surely appreciate.