Marina neighbors spend ‘National Day of Service’ helping neighbors

On Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day, many Americans spend the day serving their communities. In Marina, today was about neighbors helping neighbors with everyday items most of us take for granted.

Army veteran “Lenny” met Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. decades ago. That meeting, still having an impact on the local man today.

“He was more of a god than a man,” Lenny said. “You looked at him and you saw an aura around him. He was such a beautiful person. In that hour and 45 minutes, you learned so much. I wouldn’t trade that time for anything.”

It’s part of the reason Lenny came to Marina on this National Day of Service, where his simple gesture could possibly impact others as well. For the sixth year in a row, volunteers gathered at the Marina Community Center and collected donations.

“Gently used clothing,” Philip R. Tantillo II explained, “Food, pet food, pet bedding, and linens. Everything you need in your day-to-day life, we’ll take as a donation.”

Then, the doors were opened to anyone who needed help. Dozens of people came in and sorted through the goods, picking up things for themselves or their friends.

“I’m picking up a lot of clothes for a lot of ladies,” Sandra Vaimagalo said. “A VHS for my friend who doesn’t have TV cables or antennas and a coffee maker for my friend.”

For one family, this day of service offered a teaching moment. The Guerrero’s from Seaside wanted their children to learn about civic service.

“To be selfless and to think of others,” Crystal Guerrero said. “We all have hard times and just having a bit of support helps a lot.”

All of the donations collected in Marina will stay in Marina. Any remaining clothing will be donated to local non-profits and food will go to the Thomas Carman Food Pantry.