30th annual MLK Day of Service at Girard College brings in roughly 2,000 people
Inside 2025 MLK Day of Service at Girard College
Get a special look inside the 30th annual Martin Luther King Day of Service event at Girard College.
PHILADELPHIA - There was no shortage of events to honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., many involving acts of service.
One of the oldest and largest held its 30th annual event at Girard College.
What we know:
The Greater Philadelphia Martin Luther King Day of Service brought in roughly 2,000 people, including organizers, to complete 60 projects, including sorting and packaging toiletry bags that will go out to more than a dozen organizations for distribution in the community.
This year’s theme was the Beloved Community, as the holiday falls on Inauguration Day.
What they're saying:
‘I can’t think of a more important time to embrace Dr. King’s values of justice, democracy, and freedom, because people need to be engaged especially in a time where our nation is so polarized," said Todd Bernstein, founder and director of the annual event.
There was a palpable energy in the air all morning. Khadijah Butler fundraised for her scholarship foundation in honor of her father who was murdered 25 years ago.
She says since they launched five years ago, they have helped 10 scholars.
"There are so many of our seniors that have 3.8 GPAs, but they live in neighborhoods like these. I they didn’t have the actual opportunity for the scholarship, how would they go to school?" said Butler.
Barbara Bredell Serle says she’s found a way to give back over the past three years through the American Red Cross.
"I am actually afraid of the needle, so I wanted to do something, so I went onto the website to just kind of see something I can do," she said. "It’s just a happy feeling inside that you make a difference."
Reverend Chaplain Davis of D.I.V.A.S Ministry Group Non-Profit Organization says she noticed people came in really engaged, ready to meet and connect with others.
"Hopefully we can do this more than just one day," she said. "Make it a part of your lifestyle and serve someone every day."
The Source: The information in this story is from the 30th annual Greater Philadelphia Martin Luther King Day of Service and its attendees, founder and volunteers.