In January, The Bridge Teen Center celebrated Dr. Martin Luther King Jr’s legacy of coming together and making the world a better place for future generations through a community service project. Families and members of the community took time on the Martin Luther King holiday to work together and help further the mission of The Bridge.

Throughout the day, 65 volunteers from Crate & Barrel, Starbucks and University of Chicago Alumni helped process a variety of donations to be sold at The Bridge Thrift Store. As the sister organization to The Bridge Teen Center, The Bridge Thrift Store provides over 31% of funding to the teen center, allowing us to keep all programs and services free for local teens and their families. During the afternoon, Bridge students and their family members also volunteered together, serving side-by-side.

“We are constantly blown away by the support of the community and their willingness to serve,” shared Kelsey Salto, Volunteer and Job Readiness Coordinator. “Their service is making a lasting difference in the lives of teens, allowing local teens a safe place to try new things and become who they were made to be. This is especially impactful as a small way to pay tribute to the life and legacy of Dr. King.”

The Bridge could not do what we do without the community’s involvement and we are thankful for their support and commitment to our mission. Volunteers are needed year-round in a wide variety of capacities. If you would like to get involved and volunteer at The Bridge, contact [email protected] or 708.532.0500.

News stories this semester are sponsored by Marquette Bank.