By Bruce Leuthold

The MLK Jr. Day of Service at Glen Mar Church on Monday, January 20, 2025, was a powerful demonstration of community, compassion, and purpose. 1,044 on-site participants, joined by 57 off-site volunteers, came together from over 33 houses of worship, local businesses, schools, Scout troops, and nonprofits to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. With participants ranging in age from 3 months to over 90 years old, the event brought together people from all walks of life to serve others in need. The day demonstrated what can be accomplished when a community unites with a shared mission to make a difference. Key accomplishments include: 

• 85,000 meals packed for those in need in South America.

• 407 fishing kits and 642 no-sew hats were created, along with 107 no-sew blankets and 170 pillowcases sewn and several knitting efforts.

• 210 encouragement artworks and over 680 Valentine’s and veterans cards crafted to spread love and gratitude.

• 22 bunk beds built, 346 Barbie dolls restored, and 250 pieces of artwork/letters created for housing stability support.

• 600 cookies decorated and 800 participants fed chili and grilled cheese sandwiches.

• 93 hearing and vision screenings conducted to improve health access.

• Over 1,000 pounds of food and several hundred clothing items collected for those in need.

• A total of 93 service hours and 53 testimonies were documented.

• Off-site service projects included painting four bathrooms at Grassroots Day Resource Center, serving meals to 250 people at Helping Up Mission and 52 people at Manna House, and organizing at A Home of Our Own.

The collective efforts of the community made a profound impact, touching countless lives. The following are some testimonies: 

Will W: Today’s experience was in a word “awesome”! It was an opportunity to build bonds with my daughter (9 years old) and my sister. The church was filled with Love! People from all walks of life working together doing the Lord’s work, serving others less fortunate than ourselves! We were here last year and will be back again next year! 

Crystal J: This is our first time visiting this church. Every room was very well organized and all the staff were very helpful. I witnessed many areas today that were filled with kindness and compassion. Volunteers were helping each other by sharing the information they had just learned with new volunteers. People helping people is always an amazing thing to witness. 

KW: I think this experience was nice because even as someone who is not a Christian, I felt like I belonged. I felt connected writing these letters to people I do not even know, and it made me very happy! I am glad I got to be part of this today. 

Family from Edgewood: Love how organized the program is! It is wonderful that some activities are so kid-friendly (very helpful). The activities choices are very diverse for different interests and personalities – great way to draw in involvement. The volunteers were very kind and friendly (and knowledgeable). Everything was awesome (Noah, 8 years old). It is wonderful to see the turnout on such meaningful MLK Day activities. Thank you for all the work that goes into planning and preparation for the event! 

Tina S: I believe as a follower of Christ, I should “live out loud” serving our neighbors. It is a blessing Glen Mar has this opportunity for families to serve together to honor Christ’s love for us and celebrate the life MLK Jr. lived. It is also an opportunity to work with others who may not share our race/religion/culture. 

The MLK Jr. Day of Service was a testament to the power of collective action and shared compassion. From toddlers to seniors, people of all ages, backgrounds, and beliefs came together to embody the spirit of service, unity, and love. The event not only met significant tangible needs — providing meals, clothing, and handmade goods—but also created profound moments of connection and inspiration. Testimonies from participants highlight the impact of the day, with many expressing renewed faith, gratitude, and a deeper sense of community. This remarkable day of service not only honored Dr. King’s legacy but also reminded us of our shared responsibility to care for one another and work toward a brighter, more unified future. We were glad that the governor, his wife, son, and the county executive visited the event, but we were honored to see how the presence of the Lord enriched everyone.