Kicking off Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s Day of Service on Monday a little early Governor Quinn spent Saturday visiting volunteers working to help others.
"He said everyone can be great because everyone can serve and that's what volunteering is all about serving," Quinn said.
At Spencer Academy on the West Side volunteers cleaned, painted, and beautified the school. Thirteen hundred volunteers helping as part of the Chicago Care's Celebration of Service.
"They are engaging with seniors they are helping at schools doing facilities projects they are lending a hand to their neighbors and helping strengthen communities," said Jeanne Myers, Chicago Cares Executive Director.
Sites all across Illinois and the country are taking part in events and ways to help each other.
"We're all volunteering and I think it's very important that all of us in Illinois look for ways to volunteer to help our community," said Quinn.
At the greater chicago food depository, it really was a family affair.
From the littlest volunteers, on up, everyone was chipping in to pack food to feed residents across our area.
"You know, we come every year it's a lot of fun and you feel really good after you leave like you've contributed something to the rest of the community," said volunteer Karen Brethauer.
About 250 volunteers showed up Saturday to serve.
"It makes you feel so good after you're done and you're having fun doing it," volunteer Cindy Kohn said.
It's good to remember that volunteer opportunities especially at the Food Depository are available year-round.
