Daily Local News (West Chester, PA)
GIVING FOR DAY OF SERVICE ON HOLIDAY
5,000 pounds of food donated in name of late civil rights icon
EXTON » For Monday’s celebration of what would have been Martin Luther King Jr.’s 92nd birthday, Chester County residents found new ways to give back on the Day of Service.
Chester County Food Bank collected about 5,000 pounds of food, a special virtual interfaith service took place and youth heard about giving back during a Zoom forum.
King would have likely been pleased that while the turn-out was scaled back from year’s past, St. Paul’s Baptist Church of West Chester helped collect food for the hungry. Those who donated were able to pop the trunk or hatchback without getting out of their vehicle and without physical contact.
St, Paul’s Rev. Richelle Gunter wished MLK a happy birthday, while unloading pasta, tuna and canned sauces.
“Martin Luther King would want us to do something timely, and food scarcity is a real issue today,” Gunter said. “And we don’t want this to be a one-day event.
“We know that food scarcity is greater now than ever before.”
Twenty volunteers and staffers were handing out cardboard boxes that children (and adults) might apply stickers or crayons to, as part of the “Color Some Kindness” program at the food bank. Groceries are then delivered to seniors in one-of-a-kind boxes.
“This helps children learn about helping their neighbor and understanding the needs of those less fortunate,” Andrea Youndt, Food Bank CEO said. “It makes the senior’s day and makes them smile.”
Anne Shuniak is senior marketing manager at the food bank.
“It’s not easy to ask for help, but when it comes in a decorated box it feels more like a gift,” she
said. “It’s a great activity for any age and a great opportunity to share with your kids – but adults might enjoy it more.”
The legacy of King was also honored during a multidenominational fellowship service.
Kyle Boyer is pastor at Mt. Carmel Church of God in Christ in West Chester and talked about unity and the power of meeting together.
“Call us to love, mercy and justice, not just in our own homes but in our communities,” he said.
Wayne E. Croft is pastor at St. Paul’s and was inspired by King’s piety and protest.
“King had the courage to risk his life for the sake of others,” Croft said. “What would Dr. King say if he were alive today?
“Has anything really changed?”
Abdul M. Chaudhri, who is Muslim, spoke about how you can help people by speaking out.
“Staying silent is not an option anymore,” he said.
Rabbi Maury Hoberman talked about participating with his heart and legs.
“I learned we’re all brothers and sisters,” he said.
Rabbi Michelle Pearlman, of Beth Chaim Congregation in East Whiteland, chose to speak of the late Reverend and U.S. Representative John Lewis of Georgia.
“Show up, look up,” she said. “Rev. Lewis also looked up because he knew God was with him.
“He had his marching orders and he knew what God was asking him.”
The Coatesville Youth Initiative’s Zoom event was geared to middle and high school students. Sigma Gamma Rho members Nicole Akbar and Christa Brown noted the importance of volunteering. Akbar talked about the need to give back outside the classroom, while volunteering and serving others.
Brown noted that college admission officers are looking for good grades and a balance of giving back and that we might not know what the future brings.
Brown quoted King: “Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase.”