Thousands gathered in Cambridge’s Central Square on Monday, Jan. 19 for the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service and Learning. The event was arranged in part by Many Helping Hands 365, an organization that promotes civic engagement, provides racial justice resources and creates opportunities for community service and volunteering.

During the welcome ceremony in the Central Square Church, Senior Pastor Larry Kim spoke about Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s January 1960 sermon in the church’s sanctuary. This was followed by readings of various King speeches by Cambridge-area students. 

Volunteers and groups were then dismissed slowly from the church and guided to various locations, Cambridge City Hall, the Senior Center, the YWCA and Street Theory Collective, where activities commenced. 

City Hall was packed, with community members depositing clothing donations in the basement and crafting blankets and Valentine’s Day cards on the other floors, including the city council chambers.

Mayor Sumbul Siddiqui engaged with families and community members while U.S. Rep. Katherine Clark of Massachusetts’s 5th Congressional District walked the floors and chatted with volunteers, complementing blanket artistry. 

The day of service culminated in color, connection and the homely utilization of City Hall, a place meant for the people.