PRESS RELEASE: MARCH 13, 2026

Day of giving, community service at SJR State

More than 100 volunteers from across St. Johns River State College’s Orange Park, Palatka, and St. Augustine campuses joined forces to demonstrate a collective commitment to community service. SJR State partnered Friday with 14 local organizations in the College’s semiannual Vikings Day of Service. From painting and repairs to stocking shelves and donating blood—and even providing a day of affection for local shelter animals – SJR State put service into action.

Service locations included the Clay Education Foundation; Orange Park High School, South Woods Elementary School, Community Hospice & Palliative Care of Putnam; Kenton-Morrison Road Cleanup; The Council on Aging; Homeless Coalition of St. Johns; Water Works Environmental Education Center, One Blood Drive, Life South Blood Drive, Putnam Parks & Recreation, and Putnam Animal Control, and more.

SJR State President Joe Pickens said the College looks forward to its service day held each spring and fall. “I’m proud of our college community and their eagerness to lend a helping hand to improve our community and for the lives we touch outside of the classroom,” Pickens said. “The camaraderie the day brings draws us all closer as a college family.”

In 2019, SJR State Senior Vice President Melanie Brown spearheaded the event to engage employees and students as volunteers in meaningful service opportunities that address the community’s needs. “This is our seventh year of sustaining service events and growing SJR State’s community involvement,” Brown said. “The reason St. Johns River State College is so special is because of the dedication of our faculty and staff to our students and our communities.”

The College will hold its fall service day in November.

Organizations and agencies operating within the College’s service district of Clay, Putnam, and St. Johns counties are encouraged to submit a service project proposal.

Photos from the Vikings Day of Service are on Flickr

Vikings Day of Service volunteers