'MLK Civic Service Series' brings Dublin together for volunteer work
DUBLIN, Ohio (WCMH) -- The City of Dublin is in the second year of its "MLK Civic Service Series" -- a collection of volunteers who come together to give back to their community.
Happening this weekend, the city is hosting an event called "Project Warmth." Nearly 100 volunteers will gather this Sunday to make blankets ahead of the cold weather.
250 blankets will be made and donated to two different nonprofits, One Dublin and Nationwide Children’s Hospital Dublin Campus.
The MLK Civic Service Series started in 2023. Since then, more than 400 people have come together to volunteer their time and give back. The city wanted to make sure that Reverend Martin Luther King Junior would be remembered throughout the year and not just on his national holiday.
A leader with the city said they try to hold service projects quarterly, and while they are family-friendly events, it is still primarily geared toward adults. While each project is underway, a representative from the agency the city is serving will be there leading an impact discussion, that way volunteers know exactly how they are giving back.
Christine Nardecchia, the outreach and engagement director, said the support they’ve gotten so far doesn’t surprise her.
“It is really an active and resilient and vibrant community and service is just part of this community's DNA," Nardecchia said. "But the fact that we really furthered Dr. King's message is of a beloved community and service to others throughout the year, the response has really been terrific."
If you missed out on this year's MLK Civic Service Series, it will pick back up again in 2025. Nardecchia said their first event will be in early January.
Nardecchia said while she’d love to see this series continue to grow, she’d also love for people to see this and start their own service initiative in their neighborhood.
Learn more about the series here.