Colonial School District students of all ages joined together on Martin Luther King Jr. Day and gave back to their community as part of the District’s second annual Day of Service at Plymouth Whitemarsh High School.
During the event, students in grades K-5 took part in eight service activities to benefit a variety of different organizations. Plymouth Whitemarsh High School students led the activities and assisted their younger peers with the projects. At the conclusion of each session, selected students read quotes from Dr. King to reinforce the purpose of the day.
The American civil rights activist, who reminded everyone that “life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’” has been the inspiration for numerous Days of Service around Philadelphia and its suburbs. Colonial School District is proud to join the tradition of honoring Dr. King’s contributions to the country through service.
Here is a look at the service projects that were completed on Jan. 16:
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Color-A-Smile: Students colored sheets that were sent to Color-A-Smile for distribution to those in need of a pick-me-up.
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Hygiene Kits for Laurel House (women’s shelter): Students put shampoo, soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes and a washcloth into a bag that they decorated.
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Placemats for Conshohocken Fellowship: Students used construction paper, stamps and stickers to decorate colorful placemats that were laminated and donated to the organization that hosts various community activities and events for senior citizens.
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Letters/cards for Cards for Hospitalized Kids: Students used cardstock, stickers, stamps, and crayons to make encouraging cards for children who are in the hospital.
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Soup can collection for Colonial Neighborhood Council: Students helped collect and sort soup cans to be donated to the Conshohocken-based food pantry.
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Walker bags for Masonic Village: Students decorated bags that can be hung on walkers or wheelchairs, and stuffed them with snacks for the residents of Masonic Village. Cards/bracelets for Nix Cancer Foundation: Students made cards and yellow bead bracelets to donate to families who are affected by cancer.
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Sock rolls for The Giving Tree: Students wrapped cracker packs and granola bars in socks and tied everything together with a note to be donated to the homeless.
The ideas for the projects originated from high school students who are involved in clubs and programs such as the Black Cultural Awareness Club, the International Baccalaureate Programme, AVID, and National Honor Society. Over the past several months, a committee made up of administrators, teachers, and students have met to plan the Day of Service and acquire materials. Families of students in grades K-5 were then invited to sign up as volunteers, and slots filled up immediately.
“It is inspiring to see the level of commitment people have to service in the Colonial School District community,” said Jessica Lester, Community Relations Coordinator and an organizer for the event. “We are excited to have a meaningful way to connect and give back on a day where we remember Dr. King and his contributions to social justice.”
For more photos from the event, please click here: https://www.colonialsd.org/community/day-of-service