Volunteers made no-sew blankets at Goodwin Memorial Baptist Church.
Hundreds of volunteers assembled for MLK365’s annual Central Pennsylvania MLK Day of Service Monday, eager to lend a hand to those in need in the community.
“What began as a small, local effort in and around Harrisburg has grown into a powerful regional movement,” said Shelly Lipscomb-Echeverria, MLK Day chairperson, at the group’s opening ceremony at Goodwin Memorial Baptist Church. “Today, we serve together, illuminating courage, spreading hope and strengthening our beloved community.”
The group’s annual Central Pennsylvania MLK Day of Service volunteer campaign asks Harrisburg residents to serve their communities on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
Wrestlers from both the girls’ and boys’ teams at Harrisburg High School gathered at Beahive Affordable Housing Outreach’s new property on 2007 N. 3rd Street on Monday. They removed old carpeting, pulled nails and completed other tasks needed to transform the space into Beahive’s headquarters for its housing stability and community programs.
Domineak Commodore, head wrestling coach at Harrisburg High School, said he was proud of his 15 to 20 students completing the work.
“You never know when you’re going to be in need, and it’s always important to understand the power and importance of giving back,” he said. “Because someday you might be in a situation where someone’s going to have to give back to you.”
Domineak Commodore
Trishawnda Cabbagestalk, chapter president for the Harrisburg Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, joined other volunteers in Goodwin’s conference room to piece together no-sew blankets for those in need.
“It’s two pieces of fabric that, essentially, you cut and you tie them together. They don’t require sewing, but it is a warm blanket that someone that is in need could utilize,” she explained.
The Harrisburg resident said she loves volunteering on MLK Day, she thinks it’s important to give back to the community.
“It’s a day on, not a day off,” she said. “It’s an opportunity for us to give back.”
Trishawnda Cabbagestalk
At St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Patricia Tilman was one of a few dozen volunteers who gathered in the church’s basement Monday to make homemade cards that will be given to community members.
“To help to uplift their day, make them feel good and shine,” Tilman explained. “It makes me feel good to help others to feel good.”
Patricia Tilman
MLK365 had more than 15 service projects listed on its website with signup lists for volunteers.
This marks MLK365’s 17th year championing volunteer efforts on MLK Day to help those in need.
Volunteers helped remove carpet at Beahive Affordable Housing Outreach’s new property.
For more information, visit MLK365’s website.
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