Students of Lansdale Catholic Give for Day of Service

 For many in the nation, it was a day off from work and school, but the students at Lansdale Catholic High School took the time to give back.

Since 1983, the federal holiday has been known as the annual celebration to mark the birthday of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. In 1994, according to mlkday.gov, the government declared the day a Day of Service to remember all the man did for others.

"Life's most persistent and urgent question is: 'What are you doing for others?,'" King once said. 

To show the meaning behind those words, the students, facutly and staff at LCHS chose Aid for Friends to be their benefactor this year. The organization has offered meals and services to shut-ins since 1974, according to its site.

LCHS volunteers bagged 500 breakfast bags with nonperishable items such as oatmeal mixes, granola bars, and juice boxes, according to an article in Montgomery Media's North Penn Life.

“It’s awesome,” said Mary Lou director of guidance at LCHS to North Penn Life. “Every year it amazes me. We always have a lot of participation. Once they start doing it and see what a difference it makes, they come back the next year.”

In its 18th year, the school has done much for the community during its Days of Service. This year, in addition to the bags, the school raised $700 to earn a dress-down day. The funds also benefited Aid for Friends.

LCHS works in coordination with the Greater Philadelphia Day of Service.

“An estimated 100,000 volunteers throughout the region participated in more than 1,500 service projects Monday, making it one of the largest MLK Day events in the country,” said the NPL article.