On Monday, January 21, the National Ministry Team and Unificationists around the country set out for a day of giving back to the community in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. through volunteer service work.

The volunteers signed up for two service projects that day, both sponsored by the United Jewish Appeal (UJA) Federation. The first project was located at All Souls Church in Harlem, NY, where volunteers painted signs and built shelves for Harlem Grown, an independent, non-profit organization whose mission is to inspire youth to lead healthy and ambitious lives through mentorship and hands-on education in urban farming sustainability and nutrition.

The second project was located just down the street at JCC Harlem, a community space that is committed to facilitating experiences between those who identify as Jewish and those who don’t in service and volunteer work. The venue was packed wall to wall with volunteers, who worked in groups to package dry ingredients for a bean soup recipe. These food bundles will be sent to the Community Kitchen and Pantry of West Harlem, a New York City food bank whose mission is to end hunger by organizing food, information and support for the community.

CARP bay Area, Chabot Students, and many other community members from the Bay Area came out to make “a day on, not a day off” through service to the community in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. There were many different projects going on in the community. People gathered at different locations to split up in the community to weed, pick up trash, and beautify the community, leaving behind a brighter and uplifted spirit as they all came out to serve.

The heart behind service is to share the idea and way of living for the sake of others and the greater whole.

Photo credit Deposit Photos