As the nation remembers the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., here’s a special note from Luanne Fisher, Liberty Lutheran President and CEO:

The great Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. once said, “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’”. 

The Community Service Club at Liberty’s Paul’s Run senior living community admirably honors Dr. King’s vital call to action. “Our mission is to support ministries that provide food for those facing food insecurity,” says Julie Stumpf, Director of Spiritual Care.

 

The Community Service Club, which includes residents and staff, prepares 300-400 sandwiches each month for the Social Ministry of New Creation Lutheran Church. “The sandwiches are picked up by congregational members and taken to homeless individuals who live under bridges and along railroad tracks in the vicinity of North Philadelphia,” says Julie.

The monthly meal preparation continues as the Club prepares an additional 400 sandwiches for St. Francis Inn, a ministry that serves meals to some of the most vulnerable individuals and families in Philadelphia. Additionally, a group of Community Service members prepare 100 full-course dinners monthly for Jane Adamms Place, an emergency homeless shelter in Philadelphia for mothers and their children.

Julie says that it’s greatly rewarding for residents and staff to participate in efforts that help to strengthen and support vulnerable individuals and families. Moreover, both residents and staff members enjoy being part of a large community of caring people that encompasses not only Paul’s Run, but volunteers from St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, New Creation Lutheran Church, St Francis Inn, and a wide variety of generous food donors that include the Core Group, Whole Foods, Outback Steakhouse, Starbucks, and Weiss Markets.

The initiative at Paul’s Run to support people who cope with food insecurity has been steadily growing over the last few years. The preparation of about 100 meals each month has now grown to 600-900 meals monthly. It’s amazing to witness how this tremendous effort has taken root and awakens a strong sense of purpose and meaning for so many who are involved.

Thank you to Julie and the Community Service Club for the truly impactful and meaningful way you honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King’s Day of Service—on the actual day of this special observance, as well as many days throughout the year.

Click the following links to watch the Paul’s Run Community Service Club in action making hurricane school relief kits and casseroles for Jane Addams Place.