Nearly 300 people came together at the Sid Jacobson Jewish Community Center for the annual MLK Day of Service event in East Hills. "Many of these folks could be on vacation. They could be home watching television. They could be hanging out. It's cold, it's icy. But they've chosen to come here and help," says executive director Michael Schlank.

The goal was to give back to the community and honor the legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. through service.

"Together, we're saying that everyone should be treated equally, everyone should be honored," says Schlank.

Volunteers participated in hands-on projects to address food insecurity, such as food and supply collections and meal packing. There was also a blood drive and a nationwide postcard-writing campaign supporting hunger relief.

Organizers and volunteers say that at a time when food insecurity continues to grow, it's more important now than ever to come together.

"People are struggling. Sometimes people are struggling and you might not know that, but we have 365 days a year here with the opportunity to help folks and this is a day in which we're really focusing on ensuring that every person gets lifted up," says Schlank.

Hundreds of volunteers of all ages took part.

"It's really special. It's an important part of my family tradition of giving back," says volunteer Rebecca Levy.