Retired school teacher Cheryl Levi had no idea how big the Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service would become when she organized the first Highland Park event in 2009. She wanted to channel students’ time off from school in ways befitting King’s legacy. Last year, more than 1,600 people, from tiny tykes to senior citizens, came out to the Recreation Center of Highland Park to do something for others.
Q. Why is the Day of Service a fitting way to honor the slain civil rights leader?
A. Dr. King said, “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is: What are you doing for others?” Highland Park has taken this message to heart and provided an opportunity for everyone to answer this question.
Q. Why do you think the Day of Service has resonated with parents, educators and community organizations?
A. I feel we have created a nation of people who want to help others. We provide more than 34 service projects that are coordinated by students, school Parent-Teacher Organizations, local agencies and not-for-profits. At this event, participants can support veterans and military families, help those less fortunate, support environmental causes and reach out to help with world issues. It’s a way to empower individuals and make our communities stronger.
Q. Could you offer a sampling of the kinds of projects that organizations will be sponsoring this year?
A. The projects include assembling toiletries for hospitalized veterans, creating Valentines for military personnel, decorating quilt squares for sick children and filing book bags for distribution at the North Shore Health Clinic. This year, we are collecting toiletries, food for the Moraine Township Food Pantry, new and used musical instruments for Ravinia Festival’s Reach*Teach*Play education program and used bicycles, parts and accessories for Working Bikes.
Q. What take-away or lasting impression would you like the Day of Service to leave with participants?
A. I would like participants to realize how good it feels to help others and realize their passion to serve. It’s a day to start a lifetime of service.
Q. When is this year’s event?
A. From 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Jan. 18 at the Recreation Center of Highland Park, 1207 Park Avenue West, Highland Park. The event is co-sponsored by the City of Highland Park Human Relations Commission and the Park District of Highland Park.
— Karen Berkowitz, Pioneer Press
