"The time is always right to do what's right."
— Martin Luther King Jr.
The snowy, icy weather didn’t stop Penn Charter students, parents and teachers from gathering for the 30th annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service to reflect on this year’s theme of integrity and justice and to engage in service projects in nearby communities.
The morning began with a convocation by the fifth grade and a keynote from Adrienne Caulk, founder of Brown Girls Farm, followed by student-led learning sessions exploring civic engagement, immigration, affordable housing and intergenerational relationships. Across campus, friends of all ages engaged in hands-on service, creating hygiene kits, upcycled bags and denim, blankets, cards, art, food packs and seedlings for community partners including Whosoever Gospel Mission, Sanctuary Farms, Tree House Books, Cradles to Crayons, Hosts for Hospitals, the Nationalities Service Center, LovingStone, Habitat for Humanity, Depaul House, St. Raymond’s House, St. Joseph’s House and local community fridges. Additional groups supported off-campus projects with Brown Girls Farm and environmental stewardship efforts in the Wissahickon.
In addition, students reflected on the question: What are your dreams for the world? View the video with their inspiring answers: Our Dreams for the World
Service efforts will continue year-round as part of Penn Charter's enduring commitment to social justice work.