Somerset Hills YMCA Honors the Life and Legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. Through Day of Service
BASKING RIDGE, NJ – On Monday, January 15th, Somerset Hills YMCA, a branch of Greater Somerset County YMCA, observed Martin Luther King, Jr.’s actual birthday through a Day of Service. The event aimed to promote volunteerism and celebrate giving back to the community. As Martin Luther King, Jr. once said, “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’”
During this year’s Day of Service, the Y paid tribute to the life and legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. by serving the youth in collaboration with Bonnie Brae, a community non-profit located in Liberty Corner. Bonnie Brae supports youth at their main campus, and 21 young men reside in community-based transitional living homes in New Brunswick, Bound Brook, and Bridgewater, New Jersey. Providing a safe environment for youth to heal, learn, and grow, Bonnie Brae ensures their commitment to rehabilitating troubled youth through strong foundations of responsibility.
The Y assembled over 40 bed bags made possible by generous members and Y advocates who purchased all the supplies needed to create the bedding bags. Each bag was filled with bedding, pillows, board games, and a mindfulness journal. The youth receiving these bags will also get volunteer-created card with words of hope and encouragement along with a picture of the volunteer who created the bag to show that someone out here truly cares for them.
In addition to staff, volunteers, and branch board members, the local chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. all rallied in support.
“Somerset Hills YMCA is proud to honor the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. by partnering with Bonnie Brae to serve at-risk youth in our community,” says Eddie Norgard, Somerset Hills YMCA Branch Associate Executive Director. “Our collective shared mission to develop youth aligns deeply with MLK’s vision for a better world for our children.”
Visit https://www.gscymca.org/our-community/volunteering/volunteer-opportunities/ to learn ways to volunteer at Greater Somerset County YMCA.
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About Greater Somerset County YMCA
Greater Somerset County YMCA is a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community by connecting all people to their potential, purpose, and each other. The Y empowers everyone—no matter who they are or where they’re from—by ensuring access to resources, relationships and opportunities for all to learn, grow and thrive. For information about Greater Somerset County YMCA and financial assistance, visit us at www.gscymca.org/.
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