Youngstown State University encouraged students to give back to their communities in various ways in honor of the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

The university hosted ServiceFest, Tuesday afternoon.

It was an afternoon of service, inspiration and impact where students participated in a variety of projects to give back to their communities including making blankets for local charities, crafted pet toys for animals in need and much more.

Those projects could help organizations such as Sojourner House, Dorothy Day House, United Way, Rescue Mission of the Mahoning Valley, Ursuline Sisters and much more.

Those who donated canned goods or gently-used clothing got a free vintage YSU t-shirt.

YSU Kilcawley Center Associate Director Kathy Leeper told 21 News this is a new event in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. and his commitment to service. She tells us she hopes to make this a yearly event