200+ Volunteers Honor MLK Day at Georgia Nonprofit

Stephen Farrell spent his Martin Luther King Jr. Day working at the same thrift store that gave him his first bed when he was 11 years old.

He was one of more than 200 volunteers who transformed the federal holiday into a day of service at Christian City, a Union City nonprofit that provides housing and care for vulnerable children and senior citizens. The massive turnout came at a crucial time for the organization, which serves over 1,000 residents relying on essential services.

"They decided to spend their day on Martin Luther King Jr. day, serving like what Dr. King did his entire life," said Keith Horton, president and CEO of Christian City. "He cherished those who were the most vulnerable in our society, and that's what we do at Christian City."

Volunteers gathered at Graceland, the campus thrift store that provides affordable clothing and household items for local families. For Dionne Houston, who brought her husband and two daughters, the day offered more than just volunteer work. It became a hands-on history lesson for her children, who are currently learning about Dr. King in school.

"It's so important to our community, it's important to our heritage, and it just means a lot for us to continue to put ourselves in a position to give back," Houston said.

The Ripple Effect

The work these volunteers accomplished reaches far beyond a single day of service. Every hour spent organizing donations and helping families find affordable goods directly impacts households struggling to make ends meet. The thrift store serves as a lifeline for neighbors who need quality items at prices they can afford.

For Farrell, returning to serve at the place that once helped him has become a personal mission. "I try to give back as much as I can because my first bed that I ever had as a kid came from Graceland when I was 11 years old," he said. "This place means so much to me."

The volunteers understood that their most valuable contribution wasn't just physical labor. "Even if you spend one hour or 10 hours, just coming out, time is everything," Farrell explained. "Whatever time that people give us, it means so much."

Houston echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the dual benefit of service. "Giving back is not just beneficial to ourselves, you know, like saying that we're doing something to make ourselves feel good, but it's also for others, and it's for our community as well."

Christian City welcomes volunteers year round for those inspired to continue Dr. King's legacy of service.