Saturday, January 18, 9:00am

Reading, MA — The 2025 MLK Day of Service promises to be a rewarding event. There are some old favorite projects, plus new opportunities. Volunteers should plan to start at FCCR at 9:00 am for a brief ceremony (plus coffee and snacks). Then, volunteers can disperse to their chosen activities, either at FCCR or offsite. Sign up for any activities you are interested in doing. Our off-site projects require registration so make sure to let us know if you are interested.

There are two worthy collections: toiletries for youth in DCF care, and food for the Reading Food Pantry. Please review each organization’s list of needs. The Director of the Food Pantry will be volunteering with us on that Saturday, and she would be delighted to talk with you about the Pantry and its mission. We will be collecting donations at the MLK event and making sure it gets to the proper location.

Our two offsite projects, both located in Reading, are also wonderful ways to help our neighbors. One is at Sawtelle Family Hospice House, where basic handy-person help is needed, and one is at Solstice House at Riverbend, where they need organizational help with their donation room.

Here is the full list of projects:

Knit or Crochet Hats to help unhoused people stay warm.
Prepare and pack meals for Lazarus House in Lawrence.
Make Fleece Blankets for Project Linus.
Dress-A-Girl sewing project for Girls Around the World.
Decorate bookmarks for the Reading Public Library.
Create thank-you cards for Reading Food Pantry Donors.
Reading Food Pantry drive to restock empty shelves.
Donate Toiletries for children and teens in DCF care.
Make minor repairs at Sawtelle Family Hospice House.
Help organize storage for Solstice House at Riverbend.

Reading Cares at First Congregational Church
25 Woburn Street, Reading
9:00am Saturday, January 18^th
tinyurl.com/MLKSignUps2025
ReadingCares01867@gmail.com