Baltimore
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Published on January 21, 2025
Baltimore Honors MLK Day with School Revamp and Volunteer Service Across MarylandSource: Mbell1975, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

On Martin Luther King Jr. Day, volunteers across Maryland mobilized to honor the civil rights leader's legacy of service and community. In Baltimore, CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield and Arts for Learning Maryland collaborated to revitalize Thomas Jefferson Elementary/Middle School, driven by a mission to make a meaningful impact in the lives of children. "We're really connected to the community and think that days of service like this one are a really great time to give back," Patrice Kingsley, CareFirst Manager of Strategic Operations, stated, as per WMAR-2 News.

Activities included organizing the library, painting the cafeteria, assembling music stands, and creating a new mural, which was conceptualized by the student government to emphasize the importance of healthy eating. "One of the things I love about this mural is that the student government actually decided what they wanted as a mural and they decided we need to make healthy food cool and powerful," Stacie Evans, President of Arts for Learning, explained in a statement detailed by CBS News Baltimore.

Meanwhile, over 100 volunteers dedicated their time at the Maryland Food Bank, focusing on providing not just food, but a dignified experience for those receiving assistance. Elise Krikau from the Maryland Food Bank highlighted the goal to ensure people "get food that they identify, and that they like." Volunteering brought satisfaction to participants like Donna Price, who told CBS News Baltimore, "It makes me feel good to be able to give back to the community."

The American Visionary Art Museum also joined the day's events, offering slam poetry and performances to inspire the Baltimore community in remembrance of Dr. King's influence. "I hope people can feel inspired that they can make an impact in the world and just put positive vibes out into the universe today," Beka Plum of the American Visionary Art Museum said, according to CBS News Baltimore.