Girard College hosts annual Day of Service in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Solutions to the scourge of gun violence headlined the efforts at the Greater Philadelphia Martin Luther King Day of Service.

It is the oldest and largest event of its kind in the nation.

Now in its 29th year, the focus of Monday's signature project was helping victims of gun violence.

It also included several other initiatives, such as literacy projects and voter education and outreach. There was also a rally for peace, as well as a Philadelphia Orchestra King Tribute concert.

The annual Day of Service event at Girard College honors Dr. King's legacy of social justice through action.

Guests who attended Monday's events included Mayor Cherelle Parker, Governor Josh Shapiro, and other state and local politicians.

"Across the nation, this is what we want people to see, that we are one Philly, a united city. So now you have to repeat after me, say, 'One Philly, a united city,'" Parker told the crowd.

"We all understand by our presence here today that service is ongoing. It doesn't just happen one day or one hour. It is a constant moment," added Shapiro.

So many at the event identified with this sentiment, saying Dr. King's holiday wasn't a day off, but a day "on."

"The Day of Service is a wonderful opportunity for people to be able to volunteer to provide service and do something when they have the day off," added Kelleigh Parker, an event volunteer.

When some gun violence patients who live in poverty are released from hospitals in our area, they may seek emergency housing and lack basic resources.

That's why volunteers were sorting and packing hygiene kits, which will be distributed to outgoing patients in need through local hospitals.

The events kicked off at 9 a.m. and went through 4 p.m.

It was the 15th consecutive year that Girard College served as the signature project site for the region's MLK Day of Service.

It was a full circle moment for the school since Dr. King originally came to Girard College to protest the school in 1965.