PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — The 28th annual Greater Philadelphia MLK Day of Service is underway across the city. This year’s main theme addresses gun violence, one of the city’s most pressing issues.
“It should not be lost on us that in 1968, Dr. King was a victim of gun violence,” said Todd Bernstein, founder and main organizer of the MLK Day of Service, which is the oldest and largest MLK day of service in the country. “Fifty-five years later, more than 500 people were killed last year in Philadelphia.”
For the 14th straight year, the center of it all is at the Girard College Armory, the main hub of the day’s service projects for hundreds of volunteers.
Many are putting together gun violence kits to be distributed in the community, which include gun locks, information about safe storage, and behavioral and mental health resources for those who have been touched by gun violence.
Separate kits also include items like tourniquets and gauze to treat gunshot victims on the spot.
“It’s not just a government problem or a law enforcement problem. We’re working with Children’s Hospital and Temple University Hospital today on providing gun safety and gun violence protection kits,” said Scott Charles, Temple University Hospital trauma outreach manager.
While the focus is often on those who lost their lives, Charles said survivors cannot be forgotten either.
“When they go home from the hospital, unfortunately, they are living with a tremendous amount of physical pain and emotional suffering,” he said. “We are a city of the walking wounded.”
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People can also register to vote at the armory and get COVID-19 and flu shots. Visitors can hear readings geared toward children as well as King’s speeches, including one from his 1965 visit to Girard College, where he spoke to civil rights demonstrators.
There is also a virtual job fair, in line with King’s focus on economic justice. Those interested in viewing the opportunities and speaking to the employers can go to mlkdayofservice.org.