Pearl Park in Minneapolis has transformed into a hub kindness one year after the Annunciation Church and School mass shooting.
The park is filled by rows of fresh green plants waiting to go into the soil at the park, while volunteers eagerly pack school supplies for students that have been donated by the community.
Volunteers are also helping to pack homeless youth care kits.
"And that's, I think, is the beautiful part of this," says Ward 11 City Council Member Jamison Whiting. "This is derived from the community and we are here as, I think, vessels to move through what this community asks of us. And that's what we are trying to do."
Community volunteer with Avenues for Youth, Tom Bond, helped put together the event and shared what it was like.
"Working with students and the Annunciation community, for a student specifically to say, let's help somebody on a day like today, kind of sends a chill down my spine, to be honest with you," says Bond. "And more than anything, we're just honored to be part of that healing process."
Community members were invited to the event at Pearl Park, just blocks from Annunciation, until 5:00 p.m. Thursday.
At 8:26 Thursday morning, churches were encouraged to ring their bells in memory of Fletcher Merkel and Harper Moyski, the two students killed in last year's shooting. Over 20 others were shot and injured.
Minneapolis residents were also asked to place two candles or lights in their windows to honor them.
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz has proclaimed Thursday 'Annunciation Day of Hope, Resilience, and Love.'
"One year ago, Minnesota was forever changed by a senseless act of violence at Annunciation Catholic Church and School," wrote Walz. "Today, we remember Harper. We remember Fletcher. We hold our kids close enough to feel their hearts beat and we move our feet towards peace."
All events held specifically at Annunciation Church and School are private and closed to the public on Thursday.
Organizers are asking the public to make donations to the Annunciation Hope and Healing Fund to support survivors and their families. You can find more information here.
