Suburbs observe MLK Day with service, prayer
Prayer breakfasts, service projects, powerful speeches and even playing hoops marked the annual observance celebrating the legacy of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., Monday in the suburbs.
Around 100 people and eight staff members gathered for the Arlington Heights Memorial Library’s MLK Day of Service at the library’s Makerplace facility on North Belmont Avenue.
Library officials said last year’s service day was successful, and they expanded this year’s program to include preparing PADS meals, making blankets, letter writing to local seniors and putting together cat and dog toys for animal shelters.
“It’s a way for them to come together as a community and serve people,” said Nikki Camp, Arlington Heights Memorial Library programs and exhibits coordinator. “People are loving it. They’re loving that we have a variety of things ... they love to be able to give back.”
The MLK Day of Service “is intended to empower individuals, strengthen communities, bridge barriers and move us closer to Dr. King’s vision of a beloved community,” the library’s website noted.
The library also is highlighting its selection of books about racial justice, King and MLK Day available to patrons.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a federal holiday observed on the third Monday of January each year. Government offices, schools, many businesses and services were closed in observance of the day, aside from closures prompted by the frigid temperatures.
Elsewhere in the suburbs, volunteers gathered to put together Helping Hands Care Kits during an MLK Day of Service event at the Elmhurst Public Library.
About a dozen children, from 4 years old to tweens, and a parent packed more than 50 care kits for clients of the Elmhurst Walk-In Assistance Network. The kits contained socks, toiletries and other personal items being donated to the network, which provides services and necessities to about 1,000 area residents in need.
The children also made cards with markers added to each kit.
"The mission of the Elmhurst Walk-In Assistance Network is to provide assistance and monetary help for people in a temporary situation where they need help to get back on their feet again," said Jackie Crnkovich, executive director. "These gift bags you made today, they are worthwhile. What you are saying is ‘someone’s thinking about you.’“
The network helped about 1,000 Elmhurst-area residents last year, including 143 families to pay rent, she said.
It was the second year the library asked community members to donate items, which were given to the network, said Rachael Mason, Human Service Specialist at the library.
• Daily Herald staff photographers John Starks and Paul Valade contributed to this report.