Volunteers turn out for day of service on MLK Day
While some took the day off for the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday, some volunteers decided to use their free time to help the community Monday.
They were putting their sweat and strength cleaning up a house in Palm Springs. It’s a place that will serve as a new location for Sanctuary Palm Springs. For it’s founders this home has a special connection to the late Martin Luther King Jr.
Read: Valley leaders turn out for Martin Luther King Jr. Commemoration Celebration
“It was donated by Barry McCabe and he worked with Bayard Rustin to design and organize the Martin Luther King march to Washington DC,” David Rothmiller, a co-founder of Sanctuary Palm Springs said. “So we’re very proud of that connection.”
The local nonprofit helps young adults between the ages of 18 to 21 who have been in foster care to transition into adulthood with a place to live temporarily, especially those who are LGBT. Volunteers helped paint walls and build gardens as part of the day of service for MLK Day. It’s to make the home ready for the people needing help. One of the volunteers is a young adult resident who says he appreciates their generosity.
“They’re coming out of their way to help you,” Gary Salazar said. “It’s not like they’re being paid to do this. That just shows that there are people that really do care.”
The idea of selfless giving attributed to the late civil rights leader is on the mind of everyone working there. With items bearing his quotes and his image, providing a constant reminder.
“It reminds us of the community spirit in volunteerism and helping those who are in need,” Rothmiller said.
A spirit that the volunteers feel is worth following on their free time. Anyone interested in volunteer for Sanctuary Palm Springs can go to their website here.
