SACO — First Parish Congregational Church, UCC takes the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr’s legacy of service to heart.

For the 11th year in a row, the church, located on the corner of Beach and Main streets in Saco, hosted the Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service.

The church once again opened its doors to the community, and with the help of donations, volunteers and community partnerships, was able to offer an array of free services and items including vision screenings, breakfast and lunch, haircuts, hygiene items, blankets and used clothing.

Local youth were also volunteering their time at other locations, working on service projects at community organizations such as food pantries.

For church members, the annual service day is a way to answer King’s question, “What are you doing for others?”

With outside temperatures in the single digits, the church opened its doors at 9 a.m. and by 11:45 a.m. more than 85 people had come through the door to check out the available services.

Christian Education Director Kris Galasyn, who organizes the annual event, said the day of service has become a fixture at the church, an event people anticipate.

“I think that’s why, in spite of the weather, we’ve gotten a lot of people,” said Galasyn.

Mariah Trimble of Biddeford got her hair trimmed and French braided by hair stylist Amy DesRoberts.
Trimble said her family has attended the event every year for several years. She said she appreciated the volunteers who took the time to offer their services at the event.

“It seems like everyone leaves her happy and helped,” she said. “You feel cared for.”

DesRoberts, who works at On the Go Hair Designs in downtown Saco, said this is the 10th Day of Service she’s volunteered at. She said she enjoys participating at the event and has gotten her daughters involved as well.

“It’s a good day to give back,” she said.

Volunteer Polly Finlay was standing next to a rack of gently used coats, assisting people who were looking for some warm winter outerwear.

Finlay said she had someone thank her and other volunteers for the Day of Service. They told her the event means a lot to them and they have come to rely on it every year. Another person told her that he was building a new life after being in recovery, and he found items at the church to help him get established.

— Staff Writer Liz Gotthelf can be contacted at 780-9015 or egotthelf@journaltribune.com.