Vanessa Jackson worried briefly that below-freezing temperatures might have a negative impact on the volunteer turnout for several Martin Luther King Jr. Day service projects.
Those fears were quickly put to rest Monday morning at the Bessie Smith Cultural Center, which served as the launching pad for a day of celebration and service around the city.
“I was overwhelmed when I saw the turnout,” said Jackson, who coordinated 21 projects around the city.
An estimated 400-500 volunteers showed up early in the morning to participate in the city’s day of service activities. And that didn’t count those who volunteered for numerous other service projects sponsored by other organizations throughout the area.
The city’s director of multicultural affairs, James McKissic, said the projects focus on a different neighborhood each year.