Reflecting on MLK Day of Service

March 31, 2023
by Rita Killinger, Director of Development and Engagement at Rebuilding Together Broward County

Fort Lauderdale neighbors Sharon and Girlie know a thing or two about raising children. After Sharon’s daughter passed away, she became the sole caregiver for her granddaughter. Girlie is the mother to 16 children and now has 40 grandchildren. Both of these women have given so much to their families, so we wanted to give back to them on MLK Day of Service.

This year marked Rebuilding Together Broward County’s sixth annual MLK Day of Service project. On January 16, nearly 50 volunteers from ten organizations partnered to help repair Sharon and Girlie’s homes. Together, we worked to honor Martin Luther King Jr.’s life of service and dedication to improving our communities. We were grateful for beautiful weather, as volunteers spent their time painting the exterior of the homes. We plan to landscape in the upcoming weeks.

Every year on MLK Day of Service, we reflect on the wise words of Martin Luther King Jr. himself. “Everybody can be great...because anybody can serve. You don't have to have a college degree to serve. You don't have to make your subject and verb agree to serve. You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love.” 

We’re very excited for next year’s annual MLK Day of Service and will carry Martin Luther King Jr.’s spirit of service throughout the year in our work.