(KGAN) CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa – Across Cedar Rapids folks are answering the late Dr. Martin Luther King's call to serve one's community. At Mt. Mercy University folks were up early at an assembly remembering his words and collecting non-perishable food items.

"Martin Luther King said 'anybody can be great because anybody can serve,' and so anybody can serve. If you have 36 cents and can buy a little thing of Ramen you can serve," said Brooke Oehmi, Volunteer Coordinator at Mt. Mercy University.

At the Wellington Heights Neighborhood Association, volunteers were also out using the day to serve others by caulking cracks in an effort to weatherize their building.

"We're saving energy and we're saving money for these homeowners," said Kevin Kurkul with AmeriCorps.

And doing these projects costs time and effort that they say is worth spending to honor Martin Luther King Day.

CBS 2's Josh Scheinblum reports.
Mission Statement:
To promote sustainability at the University of Northern Iowa through reducing carbon emissions, conserving energy, engaging and educating the university community to establish responsible lifelong behaviors, and promoting the general public interest.