MLK Day of Service Parts 1 and 2

This year I made it my business to participate in two service days for the Philadelphia area’s MLK day of service (it’s a day on, not a day off). I have been very blessed this last year and I feel that it is my duty and honor to be able to give a small something back in order to repay some of the all that I have gotten.

My crochet group (we meet the first Saturday at the Wynnefield branch of the Free Library of Philadelphia) made squares. The squares are going to be put together to make blankets for relief efforts in Haiti. Knitters were also invited and some kids from a school in Upper Dublin came to learn to knit.

Buffy counting stitches

Me trying a square without a pattern.

It didn’t work 🙁

Miss Frances(the coordinator) showing off the finished

project of what I was trying to make.

She made her hat too.

The finished products (absent my demon square)

Where all my knittas and hookers at?

Part two was at The Bee’s school. Since The Bee is in the chorus she had to be there to sing. I had to be there as chauffeur. We both opted to stay and help out. When The Bee was smaller and I had to drop and pick her up daily I was so much more involved. As she got older, and as I had other responsibilities (as well as just some Missy issues) I strayed away from helping. Working as I do at my library I realize that it certainly takes a village and I am happy to do my part. We stayed to help put together medical care bags (a towel, soap, clippers, toothbrush and toothpaste in nice small bags donated by Mennonites). I donated blood (I was dizzy afterwards. The first time ever!) and The Bee made a clay pot that will be decorated and auctioned off during a Philabundance event.

Afterwards we were treated to lunch (hot dogs -yum and this fantastic chicken soup) and just PM’d about the day. It was nice to chat with parents that I have not seen in ages as well as watch The Bee in her element.

I love the way I feel putting me and my issues aside to help someone else. I have friend who thinks volunteering is stupid especially since one is not getting paid but all I can say is if people who can choose to be ANYWHERE but opted to help can get up and do it, so can The Bee and I.

The chorus sang We Shall Overcome,

which I didn’t realize had such a rich history