This year, Southwest Minnesota State University will observe the Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday through an extended schedule of service opportunities. Organizers cited unpredictable January weather and low turnout as reasons for discontinuing the annual breakfast and programming previously scheduled on the third Monday of January. The change is intended to shift the focus on celebrating Dr. King’s legacy by service to the community.

Service opportunities have been identified for individuals to participate in from Jan. 13 to Feb. 28. The organizations with available volunteer projects include:

• United Community Action Partnership has opportunities to support the food shelf locations in Marshall, Tracy, Westbrook with food rescue, shopping, and truck deliveries. Contact Nicole Knobloch at nikki.knobloch@unitedcapmn.org 507-537-1416 ext. 1327.

• UCAP’s Free Tax Clinic, locations vary. Contact Michelle Jensen at michelle.j@unitedcampmn.org to volunteer. A CPA is required for volunteers who prepare tax returns.

• SMSU’s Mustang Market, on campus, Marshall. Flexible volunteer opportunities. Contact Joyce Tofte at joyce.tofte@smsu.edu or 507-537-7252. The Mustang Market also accepts donations. Financial Donations can be made by visiting www.SMSUFoundation.org and selecting “Mustang Market (Food Pantry)” to designate your gift.

• Lyon County Historical Society Museum is seeking volunteers to helps with storage room organization and moving. To sign-up, contact Jennifer Andries at director@lyoncomuseum.org or call 507-537-6580.

Questions can be directed to Dr. Erin Kline, assistant vice president for Equity & Inclusion/Campus Diversity Officer at erin.kline@SMSU.edu or 507-537-6657. Martin Luther King Jr. Day is Monday, Jan. 20; no classes are scheduled and offices are closed in observance. For the list of detailed projects, dates, and schedules visit: www.smsu.edu/go/mlk