Living Well Disability Services was honored to partner with Interfaith Action of Greater Saint Paul for a meaningful Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service, joining neighbors of goodwill in giving back to the community.
On Monday, families, groups, organizations, and individuals gathered for service projects both onsite at Macalester Plymouth Church and across the Twin Cities, benefiting community partners such as Bridging, Urban Village, Ronald McDonald House, and Living Well Disability Services.
At Living Well, the impact was felt immediately. Twenty dedicated volunteers came together to prepare 70 hotdish meal pans for our group homes and create nearly 200 personalized, handcrafted Valentine’s Day cards for the individuals we support. The atmosphere was joyful, productive, and full of connection.
Seven of the volunteers were part of a high school–age youth group, whose enthusiasm and creativity truly stood out. They had so much fun that one of the adult leaders expressed interest in having the youth group take on all of the card-making next year—a wonderful example of service inspiring ongoing commitment.
Even after the day concluded, the spirit of service continued. When time ran short and about 45 cards remained unfinished, one volunteer generously offered to take the list of names home and complete the cards later in the week with a group of family members and friends—mostly kids. We are deeply grateful for her dedication and excited about the additional community involvement this inspired.
When asked why volunteering at Living Well was important to her, one volunteer shared, “Everyone deserves to live with dignity and respect.”
That sentiment perfectly captured the heart of the day.
Interfaith Action of Greater Saint Paul shared their appreciation as well. Rachel McIver Morey, Director of Community and Interfaith Engagement, says, “The MLK Day of Service is a celebration of how people of faith and neighbors of goodwill make a difference in the world. We are delighted to come alongside our community partners, including Living Well’s staff, residents, and their families, in making the Twin Cities the best possible community we can make it. Thank you, Living Well, for the opportunity to serve your families!”
We had a wonderful time hosting this project and would love to participate again next year if the opportunity is available. Thank you to Interfaith Action, the volunteers of all ages, and everyone who helped honor Dr. King’s legacy through service.
Take care, stay warm, and stay safe—and thank you again to all who served alongside us.
Local coverage of the MLK Day of Service can be viewed via KARE 11 HERE.
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