Inspired by Martin Luther King Jr.’s call to action for community and civil service, thousands of students throughout the district participated in a Day of Service.

Organized by the district’s One Voice, One Message committee, which is a student-led think tank, the event was spearheaded by Deputy Superintendent Dr. Mara Bollettieri and Social Studies Chairperson Robyn Einbinder.

After hearing a brief history lesson on the civil rights activist, students filled pantry, household and hygiene items into reusable bags along with a handwritten note on Jan. 13.

“When one looks at the totality of 6,000 students and staff districtwide filling more than 1,700 reusable grocery bags with food, it was touching to see a wonderful community come together to meet an incredibly important common goal on such an extraordinarily special day,” said Dr. Bollettieri.

Students also wrote notes of encouragement to include in the bags, which they learned from last year’s feedback, were especially impactful to the recipients of the food.

“Service learning opportunities like this have become routine in the district,” explained Sanford H. Calhoun High School Principal Nicole Hollings.

The following day, students and staff delivered the donated items to various social services organizations/housing units including the INN, Mommas House, Regina House and Bethany House.

“Our students not only donated and participated in this project, but learned the invaluable lesson of giving service to others in need,” added Wellington C. Mepham High School Principal Michael Harrington.