Martin Luther King, Jr. Service Project
- This Is Rutherford
- 10 minutes ago
- 2 min read
By Jennifer Ersalesi
Photo credits: Lia Abrams
During the month of January, schools, non-profit organizations, and community groups often find ways to celebrate the legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr and his commitment to kindess and compassion. Last month, Troop 166 and the Mission Committee at the First Presbyterian Church combined efforts to work on a special service project. This is Rutherford interviewed Lia Abrams who helped organize this project.
TIR: You played a pivotal role in organizing this service project along with Scoutmaster Michael Rivers. Can you tell us more about how both of you worked together along with Troop 166 and the Mission Committee at the First Presbyterian Church?
Lia Abrams: Scoutmaster Michael Rivers and his son, Aiden, a Life Scout, have been part of Troop 166 for 4.5 years. Scoutmaster Rivers was recently appointed as our new Scoutmaster, and he has stepped into the role with dedication and care. He is doing a wonderful job leading the troop and continuing its strong tradition of service, leadership, and community involvement. Troop 166 is made up of Scouts from our local community who are committed to learning, growth, and giving back through meaningful service projects.
I serve as the Chair of the Mission Committee at First Presbyterian Church of Rutherford, and my son, Lavi, a Life Rank Scout, and I have been involved with Troop 166 for 3 years. In addition, I serve as the Chaplain, a Committee Member, and a Merit Badge Counselor. Being involved in both the church and the troop allows me to help build meaningful connections between faith, service, and youth leadership.
TIR: In honor of Martin Luther King Day, your troop organized a service project for Covenant House in Newark. Can you tell us more about this service project?
LA: Our Mission Committee is always looking for ways to support the community, and partnering with Scouts felt like a natural fit. When Troop 166 began looking for a service project in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., we saw an opportunity to work together in a meaningful way. Supporting unhoused youth through Covenant House aligned closely with both the Scouts’ goals and our mission as a church. It was a powerful example of young people and the church coming together to put faith into action.
TIR: Who will the care packages benefit?
LA: The care packages will benefit unhoused youth served by Covenant House in Newark. Covenant House provides shelter, support, and resources for young people experiencing homelessness, and these care bags offer comfort, dignity, and essential supplies to those they serve.
TIR: When were the care packages be delivered?
LA: The care packages were presented during a recent Troop meeting to Alison Iannarone of Covenant House. Ms. Iannarone also spoke with the Scouts about the organization’s mission
TIR: Anything else you want to add?
LA: This service project reflects Dr. King’s belief that “everybody can be great, because everybody can serve.” We are grateful for the Mission Committee’s support, which made this effort possible, and proud of our Scouts for honoring Dr. King’s legacy through compassion, service, and strong community partnership.