TAMPA, Fla. — The University Area CDC’s annual celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy kicked off Saturday with service projects throughout Tampa. 

Nearly a hundred volunteers gathered to lend a helping hand.

They completed services like street cleaning, painting, mulching and community gardening.

CEO Dr. Sarah Combs says these annual service events are meant to engage the community and embody Dr. King's commitment to service.

“It's so important to get people who aren't necessarily familiar with this community into the community to see all the great work that we are doing,” she said. “To roll up their sleeves with leaders, businesses and residents and most importantly to express some love in our community."

Jenny Jackson returned for the second year to volunteer by painting a mural at a local daycare center.

“I’m a teacher,” she said. “I'm excited to help the school and have them be excited when they see it." 

It was one of 22 service projects that coincided with the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday. Jackson says she likes to lead by example for her students.

"Being able to teach young people and telling them about what Dr. King did, other greats and just helping them be great community members in the future, I think that is huge,” said Jackson.

She encourages them to use their skills and talents to help others whenever possible.

“As a teacher, I’m sure this is not their [Daycare] priority because they are focused on the curriculum, taking care of kids” she added. “I’m sure it's not something, even this is something they wanted to do, but its on their list to do right now." 

She's giving her time, but feels she's gotten so much more in return— like new friendships.

“I think that's the best part,” she said. “Meeting Junior, he's an amazing artist and person. "

 “We’ve been doing this for eight years, all of them are something amazing for me as an artist to volunteer and create something good in this community,” said Polo

Through this small act of kindness and service, Jackson has now left her mark on this community for years to come.