Representatives of St. Joseph’s Center found Martin Luther King Jr. Day to be the perfect opportunity for collecting new and gently used winter clothing for children, embracing the late civil rights leader’s commitment to service. Monday’s winter children’s clothing drive supported the center’s Baby and Children’s Pantry in Dunmore, with donors dropping off materials during the day. “People who have the ability to help others are always looking for those opportunities, and so we’ve really connected the inspiration of Martin Luther King with a direct impact in one’s local community,” said Sister Maryalice Jacquinot, I.H.M., St. Joseph’s Center president and CEO. “By donating to the pantry you’re helping local families, and I think everyone’s happy for that opportunity to do something good for others.” en a wonderful service over many years, particularly the last 15 years that we’ve been at that location (at) 320 South Blakely Street,” Jacquinot said. “We operate with the support of probably between 45 and 60 volunteers throughout the year, but also a very generous community makes that possible.” She estimated more than 3,000 families benefit from the pantry each year.

Volunteer Lynn Gavin sorts donations during the children's clothing drive at the St. Joseph Center in Dunmore, Jan. 16, 2026. Gavin retired from the center last year. She wanted to help out again this year after seeing the joy families get from receiving needed items. (REBECCA PARTICKA/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)Volunteer Lynn Gavin sorts donations during the children’s clothing drive at the St. Joseph Center in Dunmore, Jan. 16, 2026. Gavin retired from the center last year. She wanted to help out again this year after seeing the joy families get from receiving needed items. (REBECCA PARTICKA/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
Volunteers organize donations for the children's clothing drive at the St. Joseph Center in Dunmore, Jan. 16, 2026. (REBECCA PARTICKA/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)Volunteers organize donations for the children’s clothing drive at the St. Joseph Center in Dunmore, Jan. 16, 2026. (REBECCA PARTICKA/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
Volunteers help unload Melissa Kennedy's, left, car during the children's clothing drive at the St. Joseph Center in Dunmore, Jan. 16, 2026. Kennedy owns Lil Sweetheart Shop, a consignment store for children's clothing and items, in Dallas. (REBECCA PARTICKA/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)Volunteers help unload Melissa Kennedy’s, left, car during the children’s clothing drive at the St. Joseph Center in Dunmore, Jan. 16, 2026. Kennedy owns Lil Sweetheart Shop, a consignment store for children’s clothing and items, in Dallas. (REBECCA PARTICKA/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
Volunteer Dana Scandura folds clothes during at the children's clothing drive at the St. Joseph Center in Dunmore, Jan. 16, 2026. (REBECCA PARTICKA/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)Volunteer Dana Scandura folds clothes during at the children’s clothing drive at the St. Joseph Center in Dunmore, Jan. 16, 2026. (REBECCA PARTICKA/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
Coats sit on a rack during the children's clothing drive at the St. Joseph Center in Dunmore, Jan. 16, 2026. (REBECCA PARTICKA/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)Coats sit on a rack during the children’s clothing drive at the St. Joseph Center in Dunmore, Jan. 16, 2026. (REBECCA PARTICKA/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
Volunteers organize donations for the children's clothing drive at the St. Joseph Center in Dunmore, Jan. 16, 2026. (REBECCA PARTICKA/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)Volunteers organize donations for the children’s clothing drive at the St. Joseph Center in Dunmore, Jan. 16, 2026. (REBECCA PARTICKA/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)