MLK Day Drive Brings Winter Warmth to 3,000 Families

When Lynn Gavin retired from St. Joseph's Center last year, she thought her volunteering days were over. But this Martin Luther King Jr. Day, she was back sorting donated coats and winter gear, driven by memories of grateful parents picking out warm clothes for their kids.

St. Joseph's Center in Dunmore turned the holiday into a children's winter clothing drive, channeling Dr. King's legacy of service into direct community impact. Volunteers spent Monday organizing donations of new and gently used winter items for the center's Baby and Children's Pantry.

The response proved what Sister Maryalice Jacquinot already knew about her community. "People who have the ability to help others are always looking for those opportunities," said the center's president and CEO.

More than 3,000 families benefit from the pantry each year. That's thousands of children getting winter coats, warm pants, and snow boots they desperately need.

Among the donors was Melissa Kennedy, who owns Lil Sweetheart Shop, a children's consignment store in Dallas. She arrived with her car packed full of items, joining other community members who saw the holiday as a call to action rather than just a day off.

Volunteer Dana Scandura spent hours folding clothes alongside Gavin and others. Their work ensures that when families visit the pantry, they find organized racks of clean, ready-to-wear clothing instead of overwhelming piles.

Why This Inspires

Dr. King once said the time is always right to do what is right. These volunteers proved that turning inspiration into action takes just one decision to show up.

Sister Maryalice connected the dots perfectly: "We've really connected the inspiration of Martin Luther King with a direct impact in one's local community." No grand gestures, no complicated plans. Just neighbors helping neighbors stay warm through winter.

The beauty lies in its simplicity. A retired worker returns because the work matters. A store owner loads up her car. Volunteers fold clothes for hours. Together, they create dignity and warmth for thousands.

Next winter, those 3,000 families will need help again, and based on this turnout, Dunmore will be ready.