More than 40 Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine students volunteered locally on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, taking advantage of a unique opportunity to give back to the community.

The students volunteered at The Baldwin Center in Pontiac, where they helped prepare the organization for the reopening of its youth center. Baldwin Center is a nonprofit organization that has been providing food, clothing, after-school programs, and more to local people in need for more than 40 years.

Students sorted school supplies, cleaned classrooms, and prepared meals in the kitchen.

Liz Longley, executive director of The Baldwin Center, expressed gratitude to the volunteers.

“We can't do what we do at Baldwin without volunteers like the (OUWB) med students. They've just been a godsend to us,” said Longley.

Longley noted the significance of having so many helpers.

“It's just been wonderful because we are getting organized, and we have not been organized in probably 10 years,” she said. “It's great to have this many hands (and) everything that we can get done.”

Several OUWB students shared their perspectives on the day’s activities.

Julia Freeman, M1, highlighted the importance of service in OUWB’s culture. The school’s mission statement is “to develop compassionate physicians who are dedicated to improving the health of their communities, collaboration, and lifelong learning.”

“One thing that I was so excited to hear is that Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a day of committed service,” said Freeman. “They really encourage all students to gather up and do volunteer work.”

Freeman also described how quickly the volunteer spots were filled.

“I love to see that they had so many spots, and they were filled almost instantly,” said Freeman. “I really love that we are so committed.”

For Paige Pistotti, M1, OUWB’s focus on community service was a significant factor in her decision to come to OUWB.

“One of the reasons I came to OUWB is because of how community-centered and involved it really is,” Pistotti said. “This gives us all an opportunity to take our extended weekend and honor MLK and come out here and really focus on community building and helping those who may be less fortunate.”

James Bird, M1, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the alignment between the volunteer event and OUWB’s values.

“OUWB is very service-oriented and people-focused,” said Bird. “This is a great opportunity on the day where we don't have classes to come out, support the community, and give back to those who have less than us.”

Trixy Hall, coordinator, Graduate Programs and Community Outreach, reflected on the day and the strong partnership between OUWB and The Baldwin Center.

“It says in our mission – that it’s important for us to give back to our community,” said Hall. “The Baldwin Center has been one of our greatest partners for making sure that we have opportunities available for our students, so to have them come out and show up on a day like today is perfect.”

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