WNEU students volunteer for MLK day

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - While most college students are relaxing on their winter break, some are lending a hand to their community.

Students from Western New England University are volunteering their time as part of the Martin Luther King Day of Service.

They helped repair and clean up the Lions Den Youth Outreach Center, a faith based organization for youth in Indian Orchard.

Whether giving or receiving, everyone gained by getting involved.

"This is my first year in Springfield so I wanted to learn more about where I am, where I'm going to school, so I thought this is a good way,” said Samantha Mulhern, a freshman at WNEU.

James McGowan, a Lions Den site manager said, "This is an amazing project because the community involvement from outside of our walls is a huge thing.  It brings awareness to not only the purpose of what we're doing here but also, I think, it brings enlightenment to their life in this as well.  There is something going on in Springfield that is positive."

Later in the day students also participated in Square One's "Book It" literacy program.