In honor of Martin Luther King, thousands of mid-state residents kept his legacy of service alive Monday.
In Uptown Harrisburg, more than 100 volunteers took the opportunity to turn a wasteland into a community garden.
The Uptown neighborhood on Atlas Street wasn’t very inviting when volunteers showed up Monday morning for the Day of Service. But by lunchtime, it was ready for the rakes and shovels of spring.
"We are here working with our faith community to help improve the look of our city,” commented Barbara Terry, Vice President with Pinnacle Health. “We know that a clean city is also a healthy city."
The weather was cold Monday morning, but spirits were high. Volunteers worked side-by-side trying to clean up one block, finding a lot of brush and more.
"A lot of drug paraphernalia, a lot of dumping that's going on, mattresses, drywall, old tires, a lot of discarded items," Ronnette Martin said, shaking her head.
When someone mentioned snakes, most just smiled and kept working. But three young ladies were serious, they had found three.
What brings someone outside to work on a cold day?
"I was young when the marches were happening so I didn't get to participate that time so it's continuing his legacy I want to participate now and remember," Karen Overly Smith said.
Paris Gregore likes the community of people. “Freedom and peace, peace for our community all coming together for one good purpose," Gregore stated.
Many were feeling good about the legacy of Dr. King.
"People coming together remembering the days of old,” said Jocelyn Troup. “Trying to get better, help the community out."
"People have come together black, white, Puerto Ricans, but God knows he's going to take care of the situation without unity, especially in the city," Charles Mackey urged.
"Martin Luther King is symbolic of equality for all, having a cool opportunity for all people and making no distinguishing features when any person, all people are created equally in the eyes of God,” Pastor Willie Dixon urged.
With students off school and parents off work, many participated in days of service across the mid-state Monday.
In Uptown Harrisburg, more than 100 volunteers took the opportunity to turn a wasteland into a community garden.
The Uptown neighborhood on Atlas Street wasn’t very inviting when volunteers showed up Monday morning for the Day of Service. But by lunchtime, it was ready for the rakes and shovels of spring.
"We are here working with our faith community to help improve the look of our city,” commented Barbara Terry, Vice President with Pinnacle Health. “We know that a clean city is also a healthy city."
The weather was cold Monday morning, but spirits were high. Volunteers worked side-by-side trying to clean up one block, finding a lot of brush and more.
"A lot of drug paraphernalia, a lot of dumping that's going on, mattresses, drywall, old tires, a lot of discarded items," Ronnette Martin said, shaking her head.
When someone mentioned snakes, most just smiled and kept working. But three young ladies were serious, they had found three.
What brings someone outside to work on a cold day?
"I was young when the marches were happening so I didn't get to participate that time so it's continuing his legacy I want to participate now and remember," Karen Overly Smith said.
Paris Gregore likes the community of people. “Freedom and peace, peace for our community all coming together for one good purpose," Gregore stated.
Many were feeling good about the legacy of Dr. King.
"People coming together remembering the days of old,” said Jocelyn Troup. “Trying to get better, help the community out."
"People have come together black, white, Puerto Ricans, but God knows he's going to take care of the situation without unity, especially in the city," Charles Mackey urged.
"Martin Luther King is symbolic of equality for all, having a cool opportunity for all people and making no distinguishing features when any person, all people are created equally in the eyes of God,” Pastor Willie Dixon urged.
With students off school and parents off work, many participated in days of service across the mid-state Monday.