On Tuesday, January 20, 2026, 10 members of the Utah International Mountain Forum (UIMF) a coalition of student clubs at Utah Valley University (UVU) led by the UIMF President Janessa-Michelle Purcell commemorated Martin Luther King Jr Day by serving local communities in Utah County. This service project was also supported by the UVU Clubs association. Focused on assembling hygiene kits for vulnerable mountain populations, it contributed to the UIMF advocacy efforts for a sustainable development of the mountain communities under the umbrella of the United Nations Mountain Partnership. In addition, it was also an opportunity for UIMF members to get connected to student engagement and service leadership through UVU Rotaract club and its partnership with the local Orem-Lindon Rotary Club. A total of 50 hygiene kits were assembled and donated to community organizations that directly support refugees and individuals experiencing housing insecurity in Utah County.
This service project demonstrated the power of teamwork and community engagement in advancing sustainable mountain development. It has inspired continued collaboration of students and future service efforts that strengthen both local and global communities.
Group photo of UVU Rotaractors participating in the hygiene kit service project
During this event, UVU Rotaractors worked collaboratively to assemble 50 hygiene kits designed to provide essential daily-care items. Each kit included soap, shampoo, conditioner, lotion, face towels, bar soap, combs, hairbrushes, socks, feminine hygiene pads, and razors. These items address immediate health and dignity needs for individuals and families who may not have consistent access to basic necessities.
The completed hygiene kits were donated to two local charitable organizations:
Utah Valley Refugees is a nonprofit organization that assists refugees and immigrants as they resettle in Utah County. The organization provides support services such as housing assistance, education, employment resources, and access to basic necessities. By helping refugees meet their essential needs, Utah Valley Refugees support community stability and resilience, particularly in mountain regions where access to services can be limited.
Tabitha’s Way, located in Lindon and associated with the Orem-Lindon Rotary Club, is a food pantry and resource center that serves individuals and families facing food insecurity and financial hardship. Tabitha’s Way strengthens community well-being by ensuring that vulnerable populations have access to food and basic personal care items, which contributes to long-term stability and sustainability in the region.
Domenic Callor (First Photo), and Alley Holt (Second Photo) assembling hygiene kits
This project is directly connected to student-engaged learning (SEL) and professional development because it required students to actively apply classroom concepts to a real-world humanitarian challenge. By working as a team to assemble and organize hygiene kits, students practiced leadership, communication, and collaboration in a service-based setting where efficiency and coordination directly affected the project’s impact. Managing time, dividing responsibilities, and supporting one another mirrored professional environments in nonprofit, governmental, and international organizations.
This experience strengthened skills essential for future international and diplomatic work because it emphasized cultural awareness, empathy, and community-focused problem solving. Serving refugee and low-income populations helped students understand how access to basic necessities is connected to stability, dignity, and sustainable development—key priorities of the United Nations Mountain Partnership. Participating in a project aligned with Sustainable Mountain Development goals prepares students for the UN Study Abroad programs and careers in global service, public policy, or government by reinforcing the importance of grassroots action, partnership building, and people-centered leadership.
Abbie Fisher (1st person on the left) Erynn Lammi (Second person on the Right) assembling hygiene kits
This experience was especially meaningful to me on a personal level. While assembling the hygiene kits, I was reminded of when my family immigrated from Chile and faced similar challenges of needing basic necessities without the financial means to easily obtain them. Being part of a team that came together to help refugees and members of our local community filled me with gratitude and purpose. It strengthened my understanding of service as a form of dignity and respect. This project deepened my appreciation for global engagement and reinforced my desire to work in government or with international organizations, including the United Nations, to support vulnerable communities.
Natalia Figueroa (1st photo), Sofie Jackson (Second Photo), and Janessa Michell Purcell (3rd Photo) assembling kits
We sincerely thank Utah Valley Refugees, Tabitha’s Way, and the Orem-Lindon Rotary Club for their continued commitment to serving our community. Through this project, 50 hygiene kits were distributed to individuals and families in need, directly supporting health, dignity, and stability in Utah County’s mountain regions.
This service project demonstrated the power of teamwork and community engagement in advancing sustainable mountain development. We hope it inspires continued collaboration and future service efforts that strengthen both local and global communities. MLK Day provided a meaningful and timely opportunity for this service, highlighting the importance of giving back and supporting our community in honor of Dr. King’s legacy.
Janet Ruiz (1st photo on the left), Club Ambassador (1st photo on the right), and group photo with club ambassador
By: Natalia Figueroa Foreign Affairs Club President, Political Science Student, Utah Valley University
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Utah District Newsletter About the Event at UVU
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STUDENT REFLECTIVE ESSAYS
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26-01-25-Alley Holt-Assembling Hygiene Kits for Tabitha’s Way and United Action
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26-01-25-Erynn-Lammi-Service, Solidarity, and My Contribution to the MLK Day Project
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26-01-26-Sophie Jackson My Contribution to Hygiene Kits Service-Learning Initiative
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26-01-26-Domenic Callor-Building Hygiene Kits
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