The hum of chatter, the shuffle of boxes, and laughter filled the air Monday as families, teens, and local business teams worked side by side at The Bridge Teen Center, turning donated clothes, shoes, and jewelry into opportunities for local teens. The 9th Annual MLK Day of Service brought more than 200 volunteers together in a celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s call to serve and give back.
Volunteers tackled hands-on projects at The Bridge Teen Center and The Bridge Thrift Store, organizing donations, stocking merchandise, and helping with deep cleaning throughout the facilities. Items prepared during the day were later sold in the thrift stores, generating thousands of dollars to fund the center’s 350 free programs and events each year. The Bridge Teen Center is located at 15555 71st Ct., Orland Park.
“The MLK Day of Service showed what’s possible when people from all walks of life come together to serve locally in honor of Dr. King,” said Priscilla Steinmetz, Founder and Executive Director of The Bridge Teen Center. “That kind of service, carried year-round, can transform a community.”
Aaron Heldt, Director of Marketing and Partnerships, said seeing local businesses participate was inspiring. “It was incredible to watch them put Dr. King’s call to service into action,” Heldt said. “Their partnership strengthens our ability to support teens with meaningful opportunities that build hope, purpose, and direction.”
Taylor Scanlon, Job Readiness and Groups Coordinator, highlighted the impact on families. “There’s something powerful about seeing families serve side by side and turn community service into meaningful time together,” Scanlon said. “Engaging entire families in local service is a beautiful way to carry out Dr. King’s legacy.”
Among those volunteering were Girl Scouts, alumnae of Delta Sigma Theta and Zeta Phi Beta Sororities, and employees from Milhouse Engineering & Construction, Orland Park Meijer, Chase Bank, and Crate & Barrel, along with local families. Volunteers served in two shifts, from 10 a.m. to noon and 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
The Bridge Teen Center, a nationally recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit, has served nearly 14,500 teens from 128 communities since 2010. The center provides free programs in arts, STEM, trades, culinary skills, and social events, giving students a safe place to grow mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually. Membership is free, allowing teens unlimited access to afterschool and evening programs.
The Bridge Thrift Store in Orland Park and Bridge Thrift Home & Restoration in Frankfort, which fund more than 31% of the teen center’s programs, also offered teens opportunities to gain job readiness experience and participate in community service.
Monday’s MLK Day of Service offered a chance for volunteers of all ages to contribute, demonstrating how hands-on service can strengthen a community while honoring Dr. King’s enduring call to action.
