Buffalo Volunteers Brave Storm for MLK Day Clothing Drive

When DeWitt Lee learned that Buffalo's Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service was canceled due to a winter storm, he refused to let the day pass without action. His organization, St. Brian Clothiers, had planned for 25 volunteers to sort men's clothing for people in need at the King Urban Life Center, but the weather seemed to have other plans.

Lee's friend Nate Boyd made a simple Facebook post calling for help. What happened next surprised everyone.

More than a dozen volunteers showed up Monday morning, trudging through snow and ice to honor Dr. King's legacy of service. As the day continued, even more people arrived at the center.

"We wanted to make sure that in honor of Doctor King, we fulfilled our mission, our dream, and that's to make sure that these resources that were entrusted to us get to the people who need it the most," Lee said.

The volunteers came from all walks of life and all ages. A 15-year-old explained his reasoning simply: "It's a peaceful Monday, and it's Martin Luther King Day, so why not just give back?"

Others spoke about the deeper purpose behind sorting stacks of clothing. "The people that don't have and can't afford are giving them the opportunity to have something and feel wanted and feel loved," one volunteer shared.

The Ripple Effect

Boyd watched neighbors, family members, and friends continue streaming through the doors despite the storm warnings. The response went beyond what the original event had planned for.

"We've been pulling in people from the neighborhood, family, friends," Boyd said. "We got more people coming in. We're still planning on getting the job done."

The clothing sorted that day will reach men across Buffalo who need professional attire for job interviews, warm coats for winter, or simply clean clothes to restore dignity. St. Brian Clothiers continues accepting donations to serve the community year-round.

When conditions are easiest, showing up takes little courage, but these volunteers proved that real service happens when it's hardest to give.