Provided by Ohio Northern University

In the spirit of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service, Ohio Northern University students came together this week to give back to their community, focusing on those who have given so much throughout their lives—the elderly.

“What better way to give back than to support those who have sacrificed and contributed throughout their lives?” said John Copes, IV, accounting and marketing major, AmeriCorps member, and coordinator of ONU’s Student Resource Center.

Students assembled and hand-delivered more than 90 care packages for residents of Vancrest of Ada, a local assisted living and elderly care home, brightening their day with thoughtful gifts and personal connections.

Each package contained comfort items such as warm throws, lotion, shampoo, lip balm, nail clippers, stress balls, stuffed animals, and puzzles. Funding for the project came from an MLK Day 2025 grant from ServeOhio.

Copes emphasized that the project aligned with Dr. King’s mission of inclusivity and service.

“We aimed to bring together as many people as possible, no matter their differences, to help those who deserve it.”

Reflecting on the impact, he added: “I am hopeful we’ve inspired students on campus to take part in their communities. It doesn’t take much to show up for others, to be kind, and to give before you take.”