Teens Helping Teens

On Martin Luther King Jr. Day, students across Bay County didn’t take the day off—they took the day on. In the spirit of service and compassion, local teens came together for a powerful initiative focused on a critical issue: youth homelessness.

As part of the MLK Day of Service, students from Bay City Eastern High School and Bay City Central High School joined forces to support their peers experiencing homelessness. Their mission was simple but deeply meaningful: to bring comfort, dignity, and hope to fellow students in need.

Eastern High School students led the charge by collecting hygiene items—everything from shampoo and toothpaste to deodorant and soap. Meanwhile, students at Central High School rolled up their sleeves to assemble care packages and handcraft tie blankets, ensuring that each donation was not only practical but personal.

These care packages were more than just supplies—they were messages of solidarity. Each one said, “You are seen. You are valued. You are not alone.”

This impactful day of service was made possible through the support of the Michigan Community Service Commission, but the heart of the effort came from the students themselves. Their leadership, empathy, and action are a shining example of what’s possible when young people are empowered to make a difference.

In a world that often feels divided, these teens reminded us what unity and compassion look like. Their efforts didn’t just help meet immediate needs—they inspired hope for a brighter, more caring future.