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The MLK JR Day of Service Marks 15th Year in Syracuse

John Smith/WAER News

Martin Luther King Day was time well spent for volunteers to give those less fortunate throughout Onondaga County the clothes they need and some food to eat.  The 15th Annual Day of caring was headquartered at Pensabene’s Casa Grand’e.  Event organizer and Syracuse Common Councilor Helen Hudson is thankful for the outpouring of community support, once again, and the fact that Doctor King’s message is reaching youth.

 “But when they come here they see that there’s children in theses shelters and they see there’s children that have a need. So for them to get firsthand experience on just what their kindness will be doing for other people’s lives; that’s the biggest blessing for me.”

 The holiday has become a tradition for Celine Emmanuel and her family from Liverpool.

 “I think it’s important for them to come down and give back because they need to know how blessed we are with everything that we have in our lives and want them to know that there are other people who are less fortunate and the importance of helping and giving back."

Emmanuel’s kids Maliki and Marielle so eloquently shared with us what  the day means to them.

Credit John Smith/WAER News
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John Smith/WAER News
The Emmanuel Family of Liverpool

  “Martin Luther King, Jr. Day represents how he really fought for equality with non-violence and African Americans and other races wouldn’t be where we are today without him.” – Maliki Emmanuel

“Today means getting to help people in the community who don’t have what my family and I have and my friends. It means a lot to come here and help people who don’t have clothes, food or shelter.”  - Marielle Emmanuel

After the boxes of donations were packed-up by volunteers, they were all delivered to 14 shelters throughout Onondaga County and the City of Syracuse.

Credit John Smith/WAER News
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John Smith/WAER News
Members of Salt City Hoops.

  
 

John Smith has been waking up WAER listeners for a long time as our Local Co-Host of Morning Edition with timely news and information, working alongside student Sportscasters from the Newhouse School.