Donating time on MLK Day

AUSTIN (KXAN) - With hard hats and chainsaws, Monday was not a day of rest for dozens of volunteers, but a day of service. They used gloves, shovels and even their bare hands for hours of intensive labor.

"I wanted to be here, because at home, I wasn't going to do anything," said Manuel Galvez, with LBJ Fire Academy. "I was going to be bored at home, so I decided why not come here and help out the community."

Volunteers spent Monday morning cleaning up Blair Woods, an urban sanctuary in East Austin.

"This is a huge undertaking, but it's going to make the woods come alive again," said Valerie Bristol, Travis Audubon president.

They cleared trails and took out non-native plants to help the area's natural ecosystem.

For many, the hard work was actually fun.

"I love to chainsaw, so I'll take anything like this on any day," said Kylie Wood with American Youthworks.

Many made the choice to give back to the community on MLK Day as a way to celebrate Dr. King's life legacy. Dr. King challenged individuals to take action and lift up their neighbors and communities through service.

"Sometimes, it's just the right thing to do," said Wood. "He was out there promoting good stuff, so why not go along with that."

"Our site is on Martin Luther King Boulevard, so we thought it particularly appropriate to have this work day today," said Bristol.

Volunteers call it a labor of love, helping out the community and honoring Dr. King.

"I wish everyone was out here today, but you can't ask for that," said Wood.