The 31st annual Greater Philadelphia Martin Luther King Day of Service focuses on the theme of equity in education with thousands of volunteers taking part in the initiative.
In line with the observance on January 19, a regional signature project is planned each year drawing volunteers from Philadelphia, New Jersey, and Delaware. This year, the Temple University served as the headquarters for the service projects around the tri-state area.
Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker, along with local leaders, including Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, participated in the signature project “Book Arks,” which are self-standing structures that will offer free books to organizations in local and underserved communities, 6abc reported on Monday.
The event celebrates Dr. King’s legacy of social justice by transforming this national holiday into a day for individuals to take meaningful action.
Meanwhile, at Girard College, organizations gave back to the community on King Day of Service through their service projects at the school’s gymnasium.
Todd Bernstein, the director of the Greater Philadelphia King Day of Service and president of Global Citizen, said they have about 2,000 volunteers serving in 60 projects in the said institution.
Every child’s access to books is also a priority at the event.
“We’re giving away 3,000 books today, in partnership with the reading captains working to get books into the hands of as many kids as we can,” said Rachelle Ferrelli with Book Trust, which partnered with Scholastic Books for the giveaway.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day is observed annually on the third Monday in January. President Ronald Reagan signed the bill establishing the holiday into federal law in 1983. It was first observed in 1986.