Gesu School Partners with St. Joseph’s Prep, Saint Joseph's University and Interfaith Philadelphia for MLK Day of Service Celebration

Posted on January 19th, 2023

U.S. Senator Bob Casey showed his support to volunteers at the MLK Day of Service at Gesu School.

This MLK Day, Gesu School, St. Joseph’s Prep School, Saint Joseph's University and Interfaith Philadelphia joined forces to organize an MLK Day of Service where over 275 of their community members, as well as U.S. Senator Bob Casey, came to celebrate and honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

The day began with a universal prayer in honor of Dr. King, social justice readings and discussion groups, followed by volunteer efforts. Volunteers spent the day participating in a block clean-up, in addition to packing over 300 wellness kits for the HEADstrong Foundation and making over 300 sandwiches and hygiene kits for youth and homeless shelters, including Jenna’s Blessing Bags Foundation. New and gently used coats were also donated to the Cradles to Crayons Coat Drive.

Senator Bob Casey, who was part of the Gesu School community in the 1980s as 5th Grade Teacher and Basketball Coach when he worked with the Jesuit Volunteer Corps, was welcomed back to visit and thank student and community volunteers.

“I was thrilled to return to Gesu on this Martin Luther King Jr. Day to witness the impactful work the school’s staff and volunteers are doing in accordance with the Jesuit mission. From feeding people experiencing homelessness to donating coats to putting hygiene kits together for neighbors in need, these volunteers stepped up to serve their communities,” says Senator Casey, who is a graduate of a Jesuit high school and college.

As residents of Philadelphia came together to live out Dr. King’s mission, it was a day of celebration and learning. Gesu’s Student Council President and eighth grader, Patyence, reflected on the day, “While participating in today’s activities, we listened to some very powerful quotes from MLK. I loved learning about MLK’s book because it talked about how only love can fix the world.” Gesu sixth grader Schyler also shared, “I think Dr. King would be proud of all of us because he fought for freedom and to make this world a better place.”

Abel, a junior at St. Joseph’s Prep, says, “The MLK Day of Service is a great time to reflect on Martin Luther King's legacy and to act on his beliefs. Doing service and helping people who are less fortunate than I am is exactly what Dr. King would have wanted and being able to do that is extremely fulfilling.”

U.S. Senator Bob Casey (right), former Gesu 5th Grade Teacher and Basketball Coach through the Jesuit Volunteer Corps, with members of Gesu’s Alumni Leadership Council

More than 275 volunteers pack hygiene kits for youth and homeless shelters and wellness kits for the HEADstrong Foundation.

U.S. Senator Bob Casey (right) with Gesu’s Student Council President (left) and Co-Principal and MLK Day event organizer Alana Lee (center)

Volunteers from Gesu, Interfaith Philadelphia, St. Joseph’s Prep, Saint Joseph’s University, and other local schools and organizations join together to serve our wider community.

Members of Gesu’s Student Council helped to lead events for the MLK Day of Service.

After a prayer service, social justice discussion groups, and service activities, volunteers created handmade cards inspired by Dr. King to include with donated wellness and hygiene kits. A Gesu student and parent collaborate on their artwork and message.