Martin Luther King Day, which took place on Jan. 15, brought out dozens of residents from Scotch Plains and Fanwood participated in the annual day of service.
In SPF, MLK Day is remarked as “a day on, not a day off,” in order to ensure the remembrance of King’s vision.
The day on was planned out by local organizations including the JCC, YMCA, local churches and temples, and other various organizations, with the main goal of getting kids and adults active within their communities. These local organizations work in tandem in order to provide people with the resources to make a change in the SPF community.
The day started at 10 am in the JCC, with a line of speakers who spoke to the community about Dr. King’s messages and the importance of giving back. Some of the speakers included Fanwood Mayor Colleen Mahr, Chairman Bruce Bergen, and other community leaders.
The day consisted of a multitude of service activities that volunteers signed up for and took part in. These activities were diffused throughout the town in the local centers that were hosting the event.
One volunteer, Daniel Matin, worked on a toy drive at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Church.
“It’s really nice to see so many people come out and help those who are in need,” Matin said. “I’m here because I know that my actions can make a difference, no matter how small.”
The day was an overall success, with the participants all thrilled with the work that was done. The dream of MLK lives on.