Braving the cold, nearly 900 volunteers at First Baptist Church of Glenarden’s Family Life Center made 15,000 hygiene kits over two shifts on Saturday, Jan. 18 to give to those in need as part of the house of worship’s Weekend of Service.
This massive volunteer effort was an outpouring of support from the community to attest to the legacy of an American hero, religious leader and freedom fighter, who was central to the civil rights movement: the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
“I think Dr. King’s message of love, concern, and care for the less fortunate is significant. What we are trying to do is highlight that point,” said longtime First Baptist Church of Glenarden Pastor the Rev. John K. Jenkins in a 2020 interview.
Last year, served as the inaugural year for First Baptist Church of Glenarden’s Weekend of Service, with volunteers collecting canned goods and supplies for the homeless. In prior years, the church hosted a Day of Service.
Large MLK Day of Service buttons were distributed to attendees shortly after signup, and the Family Life Center had banners of the civil rights icon to differentiate each volunteer zone. Three different service projects were available to support, including Central Union Mission and Convey of Hope.
Central Union Mission volunteers met at the DC site at 9:30 am to help serve warm meals.
“A huge thank you to our amazing friends from First Baptist Church of Glenarden for joining us yesterday at our Men’s Shelter,” read a social media post by Central Union Mission. “From upkeep and clerical support to serving lunch and sharing heartfelt fellowship, their time and love made a big impact. We’re truly grateful for their service and compassion!”
Convoy of Hope volunteers prepared hygiene kits, with each kit containing a towel, comb, toothbrush, soap, deodorant, shampoo, and toothpaste. Each table made 25 boxes, each containing 12 kits containing the seven different hygiene products.
Project Lead Deacon Stanley Jones, who leads the Mission Ministry—which handles the church’s notable volunteer efforts— noted that multiple teams were out serving hot meals in both Prince George’s and D.C. after the recent snowstorm.
“Participating in this day of service holds immense significance for our local, national, and international communities. Dr. King stood as a champion for the most vulnerable among us, and his legacy continues to inspire us today,” said Jones.
In addition to continuing King’s legacy, Jones also emphasized the importance of giving back, particularly as Christians, who, as followers of Jesus Christ, prioritize helping and working to uplift marginalized communities.
“Through my faith in Jesus Christ, we are called to feed the hungry, care for the poor, the stranger, clothe the naked, the sick and the incarcerated,” Jones told The Informer. “It is both an honor and a privilege to carry out this work in service to our Savior and in tribute to Dr. King’s enduring impact on the world. I am deeply grateful to Pastor and First Lady Jenkins for their leadership, which allows us to engage in such meaningful service.”
The kits were offered a critical resource for communities locally and nationally.
“Hygiene kits are one of the things that are very valuable. Ninety-five percent of those made go to disaster zones, including in Los Angeles,” said a volunteer leader during the Convoy Of Hope’s second shift. “They may go to Sacramento to replenish our warehouse in Sacramento, or potentially to another disaster zone. All we can do is be there for those in need, pray for those in need, and bring what we can for those in need.”