Schneider, Schakowsky Give Back to Honor King

Local members of Congress spread out through Washington Saturday taking books to a children’s hospital and sprucing up a children’s shelter as part of the National Day of Service honoring the memory of the late Dr. Martin Luther King.

Rep. Brad Schneider (D-Deerfield) took books to the National Children’s Medical Center while Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-Evanston) helped paint a mural of First Lady Michelle Obama at the Sasha Bruce House, a shelter for homeless and runaway children.

“By serving today, we see the generosity of Americans and remember that we are all in this together,” Schakowsky said in a prepared statement. “This day allows us to take a moment and reflect.  We are reminded of Dr. King’s lessons, of those who need our help, and of our commitment to helping others.”

Schneider, joined by wife Julie Dann and son Daniel Schneider, went to the Children’s National Medical Center, the only exclusive pediatric-care facility in the Washington area, to donate books and read to children.

“The work being done (here) and children’s hospitals across the country is so incredibly important, and it is an honor to be able to help them in any way,” Schneider said in a release. “There are countless little things we can do to give back to our communities and being able to share my love of reading with kids is truly one of the most rewarding.”

The National Day of Service was started four years ago by President Barack Obama as a way to honor King’s legacy, according to Schakowsky.