Shiloh Baptist Church leaders instruct volunteers who have gathered to make prayer blankets for the community Jan. 15 as part of the Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service.
Members of Shiloh Baptist Church gathered Jan. 15 for the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service, creating prayer blankets and winter baskets for distribution throughout the community.
“The blankets are made to encourage and comfort the recipient so when they cuddle in the blanket they will feel the warmth of God’s love,” said church member and outreach leader Brenda Alexandria. “With the blankets we send a message that we hope is inspiring and lets the recipient know they are loved.”
The day of service is held in honor of King’s own legacy of service to others.
“We are creating the blankets for the Northern Virginia Juvenile Detention Center and distributing winter baskets to Bethany House and the Juvenile Detention Center,” Alexander said. “Additionally, volunteers will drop off blankets and baskets to Woodbine Rehabilitation, Annie B. Rose and Ladrey House.”
The day is in celebration of the life of the slain Civil Rights leader and “exists to move the nation closer to Dr. King’s vision of a “Beloved Community” by encouraging all Americans to take the time to volunteer and invest in their community.”
Volunteers piece together a prayer blanket during the Shiloh Baptist Church Day of Service Jan. 15 in honor of Martin Luther King Jr.