MLK's Life Celebrated Through Day Of Service
BOSTON (CBS) -- In and around the city, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day was celebrated by those honoring Dr. King's dedication to service.
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Teenagers from different high schools stood at the entrances to the Lynn Stop & Shop Monday taking part in the Lynn Youth Health Alliance's annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Day food drive.
A Monday holiday usually means an opportunity to sleep in for most teenagers--but not for these teens, like 17-year-old Rose.
"It's so nice to give back to the community and try to help out," said Rose.
On this Martin Luther King Day, a food drive at a local grocery store in Lynn. pic.twitter.com/mukBWQCXB1
— Carl Stevens (@carlwbz) January 18, 2016
Though Dr. King lived long ago, his memory is very much alive to these teens.
"He's the best thing that ever happened to black people," said one 16-year-old participating in the food drive. "He fought so hard for us, to give us our freedom, to give us our voice in public. He's the reason we can comfortably be black in the world."
In Boston, Cradles to Crayons hosted their inaugural Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service. At the Giving Factory warehouse in Brighton, volunteers for the organization sorted, cleaned, and organized and packaged donated books, clothing, and toys for local children from 0-12 years old who are living in homeless or low-income situations.
Sharon Reilly, Executive Director of Cradles to Crayons Massachusetts, said that, for her, the holiday was all about service.
"This is work that we do every single day, and we're proud to do it today in honor of the legacy and memory of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.," said Reilly. "What a great way to celebrate his birthday, what a great way to celebrate the 30th anniversary of this day becoming a national holiday."
Boston City Councilor Ayanna Pressley also stopped by the warehouse in the afternoon to talk about service and community with the volunteers.