SACO — First Parish Congregational Church opened its doors and welcomed those in need by providing a number of free services at the third annual “Not A Day Off, But A Day On.”

The event is a way for the church to help others on the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday.

“This is one way we can honor his legacy,” said Director of Christian Education Kris Galasyn.

Services included health screenings, haircuts, reflexology sessions and use of shower and laundry facilities. The church was also serving free meals and giving away new underwear, socks and toiletries.

As well, representatives from a number of social service agencies were on hand in the church lobby to provide information.

Brianna Archer, of Biddeford, had eaten breakfast, gotten her eyes and blood pressure checked and had her hair cut.

“It’s awesome. It’s nice they can do this,” she said.

Second year University of New England medical student Sarah Meade, along with some of her classmates, was conducting health screenings. She said that doing service projects helps her and other students connect with the community and “understand where people are coming from.”

Meade said she enjoyed doing community service, and she and other students do  service projects throughout the year.

“It’s really one of the best feelings in the world. It really reminds us why we’re in medical school,” said Meade.

Barbara Hair of Biddeford was getting her hair cut from stylist Kate Arenstam.

“This is wonderful ”“ absolutely wonderful,” she said. “It’s a blessing because I’m looking for a job.”

Hair said she enjoyed getting a foot massage from a reflexologist as well as the haircut.

“It gives you a boost and makes you feel good about yourself,” she said.

As she’s out “pounding the pavement” looking for a job, said Hair, the money she wouBy LIZ GOTTHELF

Staff Writer

SACO — First Parish Congregational Church opened its doors and welcomed those in need by providing a number of free services at the third annual “Not A Day Off, But A Day On.”

The event is a way for the church to help others on the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday.

“This is one way we can honor his legacy,” said Director of Christian Education Kris Galasyn.

Services included health screenings, haircuts, reflexology sessions and use of shower and laundry facilities. The church was also serving free meals and giving away new underwear, socks and toiletries.

As well, representatives from a number of social service agencies were on hand in the church lobby to provide information.

Brianna Archer, of Biddeford, had eaten breakfast, gotten her eyes and blood pressure checked and had her hair cut.

“It’s awesome. It’s nice they can do this,” she said.

Second year University of New England medical student Sarah Meade, along with some of her classmates, was conducting health screenings. She said that doing service projects helps her and other students connect with the community and “understand where people are coming from.”

Meade said she enjoyed doing community service, and she and other students do  service projects throughout the year.

“It’s really one of the best feelings in the world. It really reminds us why we’re in medical school,” said Meade.

Barbara Hair of Biddeford was getting her hair cut from stylist Kate Arenstam.

“This is wonderful ”“ absolutely wonderful,” she said. “It’s a blessing because I’m looking for a job.”

Hair said she enjoyed getting a foot massage from a reflexologist as well as the haircut.

“It gives you a boost and makes you feel good about yourself,” she said.

As she’s out “pounding the pavement” looking for a job, said Hair, the money she would have spent on a haircut and flu shot can be spent on gas for her car.

The church also hosted activities for children.

As well, local teens from the church, Thornton Academy honor society, and Interact clubs from Old Orchard Beach and Saco were out in the community doing service projects to mark the holiday.

— Staff Writer Liz Gotthelf can be contacted at 282-1535, Ext. 325 or egotthelf@journaltribune.com.