Many offices and schools were closed on Monday in recognition of the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday.
While many people were off, community members spent the national holiday hard at work. They participated in community service projects and acts of volunteerism across the Metro Detroit area.
It was a busy scene at Auntie Na’s Village on Detroit’s west side. Dozens of volunteers showed up to help sort items and organize several buildings the grassroots organization owns.
“We give out free food, clothes, hygiene kits, bikes,” said Sonia Brown of Auntie Na’s Village.
Brown said the organization is known for various services, including providing emergency shelter, clinical resources, and a safe space for youth, among other things.
A group of students and staff from the University of Michigan Dearborn committed to volunteering time to help.
“I think that’s kind of the rent we pay for being here,” said volunteer Lisa Cousino. “Being on earth. Whatever you can do, however big, however small, if it’s one day, 365, we all have some lever of responsibility to try to improve the community. Give back in some way.”
Groups of volunteers were also hard at work on Detroit’s east side. They were busy around Capuchin South Kitchen Services Center.
“We provide people with food and clothing,” said Bro. Rob Roemer.
Teens and adults with Family of Parishes spent part of their day helping. They sorted clothing and packed food, knowing many families depend on the place daily.
“People are in need,” said Monica Cousins. “There are people out there homeless. We want to give back to the community.”
Building community through unity and service is what some of the volunteers and organizers said Dr. Kind stood for. Now, they are standing in the gap, knowing that the demand for services and resources is significantly increasing.
“It’s tripled since I’ve been here,” Bro. Roemer said.
Many volunteers remembered words Dr. King once spoke. He said, “Everybody can be great because everybody can serve.”
That quote inspired some of the volunteers to show up on Monday (Jan. 15).
Brown said, “It’s not just what they come and do here. I think it’s what they take from here. That they’ve done for here.”
Nonprofit organizers said they could use volunteers throughout the year. They’re urging residents to contact an organization in their community to see how they can help.