Martin Luther King Jr. recognized the power of service to strengthen communities and challenge individuals to think beyond themselves.

On Monday, Bryan College joined the nation in honoring King's call to servanthood by sending 70 groups of students, faculty and staff into Rhea County and surrounding areas for volunteer projects.

The service day has become an annual tradition for the school, dating back to Martin Luther King Jr. Day in 2005. According to Assistant Director of Spiritual Formation Ben Norquist, the vision arose out of a need for Bryan students to connect with Rhea County and build relationships with people in the community.

"We want Bryan to come into its role with Rhea County," said Norquist.

In the weeks preceding the national holiday, non-profit organizations, churches and individuals were notified of the pending service day. Widows, single mothers, the elderly and sick are among those regularly visited for projects, said Associate for Spiritual Formation Danielle Rebman.

Rebman said that the college returns year-after-year to up to 70 percent of prior recipients in an effort to maintain those relationships.

Jill Hartgen, an 85-year-old Dayton resident, had three Bryan ladies rake her leaves and clean out her gutters on Monday. This is her second visit from the college.

"It's a great help because you can hardly get anyone to come out and do leaves and gutters - plus it's so expensive," said Hartgen.

Another group - a girls' dorm hall - joined forces to spruce up the Rhea Family YMCA childcare center, cleaning the windows, grounds and a storage closet.

"I really like getting the chance to help the community," said junior Megan Smith. "Doing it with our hall also makes it more fun."

Dan Robarge and his family benefitted from the service day as well. Because of his health, he is ill-equipped to do strenuous yard work and much-needed siding work to their 1950s home.

A Bryan team, comprised of members of a short-term mission group, took on the tasks at his house. The team is heading to Nashville for spring break to assist homeless, refugees and widows at a housing development. MLK Day is an opportunity for them to work together and prepare for their upcoming trip.

Other students trekked down to First United Methodist Dayton Pre-School on Market Street to clear brush and clean up its parking lot.

"I like spreading love to the community," freshman Megan Barlett said as she raked up debris from the parking lot.

"I do it for others," added fellow freshman Caleb Maness. "It's something that needs to be done."

Michelle Friesen can be reached at michelle.friesen@rheaheraldnews.com.