Indianapolis celebrates Martin Luther King Jr. Day

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) – A day of service occurred Monday at the Kennedy King Park Center in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

Volunteers assembled street outreach survival kits on behalf of Horizon House. The kits will go to homeless people in need.

Lindsey Mints, a board member of the Kennedy King Memorial Initiative, said it was a great opportunity for all to participate in. “It’s an opportunity not only to allow people to volunteer on a day when the office may be closed or school may be closed in memory of Dr. King, but also to work collaboratively. It’s always very special when you can bring a group of people together who maybe haven’t met to do a service project together.”

Video of the historic and renowned speech delivered by U.S. Sen. Robert F. Kennedy in Indianapolis on the night King was killed was played at the event, and attendees also heard firsthand from someone who witnessed the historic speech in the park that evening. 

Project at UIndy

A service project happened Monday at the University of Indianapolis in honor of King.

Hundreds of students and faculty and staff members boxed up more than 50,000 meals for the hungry. It was in collaboration with the nonprofit Pack Away Hunger.

Each meal was designed to provide vitamins and minerals, and each contained a healthy mixture of rice, soy, vegetables and flavorings.

At Douglass Park

Citizens Energy Group’s Sharing the Dream open house took place Monday at the Frederick Douglass Park Family Center.

The community got its first look at the center’s renovations. The renovations are thanks to a two-day service project by employees at Citizens.

Improvements include a renovated building entrance and reception desk, new lighting, upgrades to sinks, cabinets and plumbing, and the creation of a technology area.