The Victor Crist Community Center Complex in Tampa, Florida, is gearing up to bring a fresh look to the University Area in celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

Scheduled for Saturday, January 17, the center will host its 14th annual Paint the Town event, a tradition dedicated to honoring the legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by revitalizing the community and assisting local residents.

“My first visit here was during a career site tour with my university,” recalled Emily Walsh, reflecting on her initial experience with the center.

Emily Walsh, who is pursuing a graduate degree at the University of South Florida, has been an active volunteer at the Victor Crist Community Center Complex, which was previously called the University Area CDC, for the last five years.

Emily Walsh is a graduate student at the University of South Florida. She has been volunteering at the Victor Crist Community Center Complex, formerly known as the University Area CDC, for the past five years.

“I immediately came to VCCC and was in love with the organization, the community, everything they provided, their mission,” Walsh said.

Located in the heart of the University Area, VCCC provides critical services to thousands of residents. They focus on children and family development, crime prevention, and economic growth.

According to a 2019 study conducted by the center, 75% of the University Area is made up of Black or Hispanic residents with an average income of 30-45,000 annually.

“We see a lot of migrants come into this area, a lot of low-income families come into this area, said Julian Gines. “Trying to embrace them and welcome them is what we do.”

Julian Gines is the Community Engagement and Outreach Manager for the VCCC. He is helping plan their 14th annual Paint the Town event in honor of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. More than 300 volunteers, including Walsh, will come together to spruce up the University Area.

“It goes from painting, to planting, to mulching to cleaning as well,” said Gines. “We are going to resident’s home and painting her staircase, planting some plants in her front lawn.”

It’s an even Walsh and Gines believe means a lot to the residents.

“The thing is the community,” said Gines. “Making sure you are engaged in the community, making sure you are aware of what’s going on. Understanding the different members, we are very fortunate where we have a very diverse community.”

Those interested in volunteering can sign up on their website. The event runs from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. There are several other programs where volunteers are needed. Those details are also on their website.