Montclair State University students participated in community service activities across New Jersey as part of the university’s annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service. The initiative is part of Montclair State’s mission to foster “collaborative, compassionate citizen-leaders.” Activities included making sandwiches and packaging blankets, oral hygiene products, and food items for distribution by partner organizations.
Mateo Llano, a sophomore majoring in Public Health and a participant in the Bonner Leader Program, volunteered at the Franciscan Community Development Center of Fairview’s food pantry. “Volunteering benefits me because it allows me to gain education and awareness about the issues that are affecting different groups of people on a day-to-day basis,” said Llano.
Mikaela Guzman, a 2022 graduate who serves as Bonner Leader and Service Coordinator with the Office of Community Engagement and Partnerships, highlighted additional advantages: “Volunteering helps students develop leadership, empathy, collaboration and strong problem-solving skills. They are fully immersed in communities that are diverse in every sense, as volunteering brings together people of different religious, ethnic, cultural and political backgrounds who unite for the common good.”
This year’s event saw 310 students from programs such as Bonner Leader Program, NextGen Service Corps, AmeriCorps, and student organizations including the Latin American Student Association and Feliciano Women in Business volunteering throughout New Jersey. They assisted 18 community partners like KinderSmile Foundation and Rise Against Hunger with projects addressing food insecurity, dental care needs, and other challenges.
The university provides volunteer opportunities beyond MLK Day. Students have contributed to building homes with Passaic County Habitat for Humanity in Paterson over several months. Other ways for students to get involved include connecting through campus resources like the Volunteer Center or participating in events hosted by student organizations.
Llano advised fellow volunteers: “Always ask if a community member needs help and always ask questions to get the best volunteer experience.”
Guzman emphasized collective action: “We are not meant to solve complex problems alone; real meaningful change happens when people come together.” She noted that volunteering exposes students to new perspectives while helping them develop self-awareness and leadership skills.
Other cited benefits include personal growth, reduced stress levels, networking opportunities, positive impact on others’ lives, leadership experience acquisition, and improved career prospects—one in five managers report hiring candidates based on their volunteer experience.
Reflecting on her own time at Montclair State University, Guzman said: “My service experiences helped me stand out even as one of the youngest professionals in my office. They built my confidence, taught me how to remain grounded under pressure, and strengthened my ability to problem-solve quickly and adapt when challenges arise.”
