Dr. King was honored as service members rolled up their sleeves Monday, Jan. 19 at the Virginia Peninsula Foodbank in Newport News for the 10th Annual MLK Day of Service.
Foodbank founder and President Bob Latvis told 13NewsNow the event helps to restock their shelves and get products out to the public and quickly as possible.
Parents bring their children to help pack up cans and teach them how to take care of their community and others, “because they are the future.”
Foodbank leaders say food distribution is down by 35% and every canned good goes toward restocking shelves at food pantries across Hampton Roads.
“This entire weekend is a day that we’re not just off. It’s a day of on and a day of service,” Newport News Major Phillip Jones said.
The MLK Day of Service is a tradition that started with former Major McKinley Price and Sheriff Gab Morgan a decade ago.
The service day was not the only way Newport News honored Dr. King. The Andrew Shannon Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Parade occurred Sunday Jan. 18 to kick off the events leading up to Monday. The celebration was organized by For The People MOS Inc., in partnership with New Beech Grove Baptist Church, the Newport News NAACP and Sentara Cares.
Following the parade, pre-packaged meals and non-perishable food items were distributed at New Beech Grove Baptist Church, where Sentara Cares provided free health screenings. The church also hosted the Andrew Shannon Gospel Music Celebration.
Vice Mayor Curtis Bethany shared his appreciation to see the community come together, despite the rainy weather on Sunday. “Whether it’s rain or shine,” he said, “service is still going to continue.”
The national holiday commemorating Dr. King’s life and achievements was first celebrated in 1986, 18 years after his assassination on April 4, 1968.
