In January 2009, Lori Lander and her family looked at the crowds gathering in Washington D.C. for President Obama’s inauguration and participating in community service projects on MLK Day, and wondered why Boston didn’t have its own Day of Service honoring Dr. King’s legacy. That spark of inspiration has grown into one of New England’s largest single-day service events, bringing together thousands of Cambridge neighbors each year to make good for our community.
As Many Helping Hands 365 marks its 15th year of bringing Cambridge together for MLK Day, founder Lori Lander reflects on the deeper meaning behind this powerful day of service: “We honor Dr. King’s life and work by joining with others with diverse life experiences in the common purpose of serving those in need in our community. Together, we learn how we can work together to create an equitable world that brings us closer to racial justice and equality.”
The impact speaks volumes about our community’s commitment to service. At last year’s event alone, more than 2,000 volunteers gathered in Central Square in Cambridge to support 69+ local nonprofits and programs. Together, they assembled 2,000+ toiletry kits, created 2,700 Valentine’s cards for isolated elders and veterans, made 582 fleece blankets and scarves for homeless families, collected 500+ bags of groceries for local food pantries, 1000+ pounds of clothing for local shelters and more than 190 bags of books for local literacy programs.
But the Day of Service is about more than numbers – it’s about strengthening the bonds that make Cambridge unique. When we sort donations side by side, craft valentines together, or share stories over blanket-making, we’re building the beloved community that Dr. King envisioned. Asking congregants in Montgomery, Alabama, in 1957, Dr. King challenged the crowd: “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?'”
This MLK Day, neighbors joined our CCF team in a powerful demonstration of what’s possible when we come together to serve. Helping hands can make a difference.
Image: MLK Day of Service 2025 organizers and volunteers gather in Cambridge City Hall.
