Students Mark MLK Birthday By Volunteering

Martin Luther King Jr. Day was a day on—not a day off—for a number of .

Although they had no class in honor of the holiday, the students volunteered their time at the Day of Service event that took place at the .

"I have homework, but I'd much rather be here," said Rachel Geffrey, a 10th grader at .

Students grade one through six spent hours performing various service projects to benefit the greater community. Students grades seven through 12 were there to assist the younger students.

Projects included making sleeping mats for the homeless, blankets and scarves for less fortunate women and children, Valentine's Day cards for recipients and cat toys for an animal shelter.

Georgia Coleman, of The Mat Makers, led students in creating sleeping mats made of recycled plastic bags.

"They're really getting into it. They can see the finished product, know they're helping the less fortunate, they're helping to recycle and it's easy," Coleman said. "It's fun to see their enthusiasm."

It takes 100 plastic bags and 40 to 60 hours to make one sleeping mat.

Regina Zelik, of Upper St. Clair, was in charge of helping the volunteers make blankets and scarves. She's been creating the items for those less fortunate for about 30 years, she said.

Zelik gathers pieces of material, much of it donated, and helps volunteers make practical and useful things out of it.

"Oh my gosh, we're running out of material already. We have a lot of help this year," Zelik said. "Anytime they want to give up their time—and not get paid—to help, it's a precious thing to see."

Eileen Geffrey and Sally Ondrejko, both Upper St. Clair mothers, brought their children and sewing machines on Monday.

"I've been volunteering for a long time, it's something that is important to me. People don't realize how valuable their time is," Eileen Geffrey said. "I'm impressed (with today's event). It pleases me; it says something about our community. We live in an affluent community, but people here value their responsibility to help the less fortunate."

"We do live in a community that has a lot, and it's wonderful (for the kids) to learn how to share that," Ondrejko said.

Students also spent time in the gym participating in cooperative activities, in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

Editor's note: Flip through the photo slideshow above to see the service projects that were performed. Also, if you're interested in getting involved in making sleeping mats for the homeless, email Georgia Coleman at MatMakers15317@gmail.com.

Share your thoughts on Monday's Day of Service. Tell us in the comments.