Last year, President Obama urged Americans to find ways to volunteer and help out their communities in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. This day is important to not only remember Dr. King’s message of freedom, equality and hope but it’s also become a day to all come together in unity and uplift our communities.

This year along with my colleagues’, State Representative Harry Osterman, State Representative Greg Harris, Alderman Gene Schulter, Alderman Mary Ann Smith, Alderman Joe Moore, Committeeman Tom Sharpe, Committeeman Carol Ronen, Committeeman David Fagus, Edgewater Chamber of Commerce, Edgewater Community Council, and Edgewater Beautiful we were able to assemble over 200 volunteers to give back to their communities.

Throughout the day our volunteers painted two classrooms at Goudy Elementary School, picked up litter and debris at six schools in Lincoln Square and Ravenswood, and helped paint rooms at Unity Lutheran Church and Edgewater Community Council. They also cleaned and repaired woodwork at the North Lakeside Cultural Center, sorted clothing at Cornerstone Community Outreach and Brown Elephant Resale shop and cleaned at Good News Community Kitchen. Many volunteer also spent quality time with seniors, developmentally disabled adults and children at the White Crane Wellness Center, Thresholds, and Anixter Center.

I was overwhelmed with the kindness of our residents who also donated nearly 20 bags of winter clothing and unused personal care products that will be donated to local shelters and non-profit organizations.

Even during this economic recession when many Illinoisans are in need, many residents came out to help their neighbors, senior citizens and our communities get back on its feet. I was proud to participate in the call to action community service day and I look forward to continue this tradition each year.