BOONE, N.C. — Appalachian State University students, faculty and staff have answered a call to service for 20 years through the university’s MLK Challenge — a day of reflection, education and service organized by Appalachian and the Community Together (ACT), whose mission is to cultivate responsible citizenship through education and action.

In this annual event, the Appalachian Community works alongside community partners on service projects for local nonprofit organizations to honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his message of social service.

This photo gallery looks back at volunteers providing valuable service throughout the community — from sorting recyclables and paper at the Community Care Clinic, to organizing children’s books at Watauga Public Library and cleaning every nook and cranny of F.A.R.M. Cafe in downtown Boone.

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20th anniversary of Appalachian’s MLK Challenge draws more than 200 participants

Appalachian’s program has become a model for other campuses across the state and nation

Jan. 25, 2019

The annual event honors the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, as students accomplish challenging projects alongside community partners.

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Appalachian’s 2018 MLK Challenge honors Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. — more than 200 participate

Jan. 25, 2018

More than 200 students, faculty, staff and alumni devote a day of service to 17 local charitable organizations.

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Photos from MLK Challenge 2017

Jan. 30, 2017

Appalachian State University students gave over 1,200 combined hours of local community service in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King’s life and legacy during the MLK Challenge held Jan. 21. A total of 23 charitable organizations in the Boone area were served. All Photos by Marie Freeman

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Are you up for Appalachian’s MLK Challenge?

Jan. 15, 2016

Students make a difference while honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. during Appalachian’s MLK Challenge.

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About Appalachian State University

As a premier public institution, Appalachian State University prepares students to lead purposeful lives. App State is one of 17 campuses in the University of North Carolina System, with a national reputation for innovative teaching and opening access to a high-quality, cost-effective education. The university enrolls more than 21,000 students, has a low student-to-faculty ratio and offers more than 150 undergraduate and 80 graduate majors at its Boone and Hickory campuses and through App State Online. Learn more at https://www.appstate.edu.