In-person and virtual events planned at Penn State to mark Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Martin Luther King Jr. Day is not only a national holiday but also a national day of service.

Penn State’s MLK Jr. Commemoration Committee is turning that day of service into a whole week, with both in-person and virtual events planned.

Ellery Lea, a Penn State graduate assistant and member of the commemoration committee, views the holiday as an important time to take a step back and look at the bigger picture.

“I think these types of commemorative events are a really good opportunity as individuals, but also as communities, to look at our roles in the history that we’re shaping together,” Lea said.

Students can register for times and receive updates on additional service events through OrgCentral. In-person service activities will include blanket making, letter writing and filling BuddyPacks.

“(Buddy Packs) are backpacks filled with items for children including a stuffed animal, a coloring book, just a couple of different items for children,” Lea said. “And these backpacks go with emergency responders on calls so if they are responding to a call where there’s a child in a crisis, they can address the crisis but also provide some comfort toys and things for the child.”

The committee is also organizing a food drive for Penn State Lion’s Pantry. Donations can be dropped off Monday through Friday at the HUB-Robeson Center, Room 103.

A virtual guest lecture from LaTosha Brown, co-founder of the voting rights group Black Voters Matter, will be held Thursday. The event will be livestreamed at 7 p.m. Thursday for students, faculty and community members.