Day of Service at Saco’s First Parish Church has high turnout

First Parish parishioner Sue Martin hangs up clothes at the Saco church on Monday. SBN STAFF/Liz Gotthelf

Liz Gotthelf, Publisher•

SACO — First Parish Congregational Church UCC welcomed about 100 community members at its annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service on Monday.

In its 15^th year, the Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service is the church’s answer to King’s question, “What are you doing for others?” Volunteers served up free meals, and there were tables of books, racks of gently used clothing, warm blankets and tubs of toiletries and new socks there for the taking. Local hairstylists were giving free haircuts and there was a blood pressure clinic.

One community member said he was able to find a jacket for his daughter, and another commented on how delicious the chili was.

Despite the snow and wintry weather, the turnout was good – the highest number of people at the event since before the COVID-19 pandemic, said Director of Christian Education Kris Galasyn. About 125 pairs of shoes found homes and 25 people received haircuts.

“It’s fabulous, it was unbelievable,” said Sue Martin, a parishioner at First Parish Church who has been volunteering at the event for many years.

“We gave away lots of books, lots of warm clothes and hats and mittens. It was very rewarding,” she said.

Publisher Liz Gotthelf can be reached at newsdesk@sacobaynews.com.