Ahead of the holiday weekend honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Lower Merion School District held its annual MLK Afternoon of Service, as hundreds of students, staff, family and friends gathered in the Lower Merion High School cafeteria to participate in an array of fun-filled, hands-on service projects.
The event’s success was made possible by the dedicated efforts of volunteers from the District’s Home & School Associations, student clubs and local organizations, whose efforts ensured a meaningful day of service that honored Dr. King’s legacy of community, compassion and service.
Attendees participated in an array of impactful projects tailored to address the needs of a diverse set of initiatives and nonprofits, including, but not limited to:
- Assembling Birthday Boxes for the Ardmore Food Pantry and the Nationalities Service Center, spreading joy on special occasions.
- Creating Blizzard Bags for senior citizens, providing essentials for harsh weather.
- Curating Care Bags for homeless shelters, offering comfort and practical resources.
- Collecting books, making bookmarks, and crafting cards for the As We Rise Foundation to promote literacy and encouragement.
- Making Snuffle Mats for Francisvale Home for Smaller Animals and Providence Animal Shelter, enhancing the well-being of rescue animals.
- Assembling Hope Bags for Fostering Hope PA to support children and families in foster care.
- Designing thank-you cards for staff at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP).
- Sorting and collecting clothing for Cradles to Crayons to help children in need.
- Making friendship bracelets and care packages for CHOP patients.
- Crafting no-sew blankets for Project Linus, the Salvation Army, and CHOP, offering warmth and comfort.
- Assembling Blessing Bags and sleep mats for the homeless.
- Creating Valentine’s Day cards for CHOP, the Maternity Care Coalition, and veterans.
- Building bird feeders with Harriton’s Environmental Club to support local wildlife.
- Packing snack bags and designing cards for families at the Ronald McDonald House.
- Painting starfish for the Starfish Project, a symbolic initiative of hope.
The cafeteria was bustling with activity as participants of all ages worked collaboratively on these projects. The Afternoon of Service served as a platform for fostering connections, reflecting Dr. King’s vision of unity and collective action.
Special thanks go to the countless volunteers and contributors whose enthusiasm and dedication made the event a success. Their efforts exemplified the spirit of giving back and creating a better, more inclusive world!