Norfolk Foodbank Hosts 14th Annual MLK Day of Service

For 14 years running, the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore has turned Martin Luther King Jr. Day into a celebration of community action. This year, volunteers from across Norfolk showed up in force to pack food boxes and stock shelves for families facing hunger.

"A lot of his messaging, and a lot of who he was as a person, was all about service," said Jeremy Rodden from the foodbank. "It was all about how can you help your fellow man."

The spirit of that message drew volunteers from local credit unions, sororities, and community groups. Dawn Zeigler from Langley Federal Credit Union brought about 20 coworkers to bag food for school families. She's been coming back for years, tackling everything from painting walls to organizing canned goods.

Members of Zeta Phi Beta and Delta Sigma Theta sororities filled the warehouse with energy and purpose. "Service is one of our principles, and we want to give back," said Sherry Clayborne. "No one in our community should have a need, especially the hungry."

Brittaney Ross from Delta Sigma Theta explained why her chapter chose service over a day off. "We want to show them that, 'Hey, this is how we would like to spend our holiday.'" Her group also donated $500 to support the foodbank's mission.

The Ripple Effect

This single day of service creates waves that reach far beyond the warehouse walls. The food packed by volunteers will feed schoolchildren and families throughout southeastern Virginia. Each box represents not just a meal, but a reminder that their community cares.

The annual tradition also strengthens the fabric of Norfolk itself. Corporate employees work alongside sorority sisters, all united by a common purpose. These connections built while sorting cans and filling bags often inspire year-round volunteer commitments.

Most powerfully, the event keeps Dr. King's vision alive in practical, tangible ways. Fourteen years of consistency proves that communities can sustain the momentum of service when they come together with intention.

The volunteers left the foodbank with full hearts and fuller shelves, ready to serve families across the region.