Students from Auburn University made their way to Selma to volunteer on Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

The Selma-Dallas County Chamber of Commerce had been in contact with Alternative Student Breaks, an organization at Auburn, for a few months prior to Monday.

“Being able to get these students some great opportunities on the ground in Selma has been a very gratifying experience for us. We’re so thrilled to have these students serving at various locations around Selma,” said Landon Nichols, destination and marketing coordinator for the Chamber.

One group of students made their way to Tyus Ministries to hand out food to those in the community that need assistance.

“We were able to provide a truck load of food to one of our ministries, Tyus Ministries, so we came and dropped it off and unloaded it. They helped do all that, and now they’re helping distribute the food,” said Jeff Harrison, executive director of the Selma Area Food Bank. “We’re just happy to have them here. They’re a great group.”

Harrison said he was glad the students had the opportunity to visit and experience Selma.

“It’s always great when we have people from out of town that have never been to Selma. They get to actually see Selma first hand and not just hear about Selma but to experience the love we have here,” Harrison said. “It’s a great day, just Selma coming together and people helping people.”

Catelyn Simpkins, a junior at Auburn, was on hand to help pass our food and said she was glad to be able to help those less fortunate.

“We have students from all backgrounds here helping today which is really big to think that this might not have been possible. So I think this is a very unique experience to be able to do this and for students to be able to give their time,” Simpkins said.

“Selma is filled with history and memories, and it’s just a great time to reflect whenever you’re here. Being here in Selma and helping do something on MLK Day is huge just because it means a lot to all the students and especially students of color.”