Several Sailors from Naval Station Everett spent their day off Jan. 17 volunteering alongside teens helping elderly people in the community.

Jan. 17 was national Martin Luther King Jr. volunteer day and hundreds of people in the area spent their day off work and school serving others.

Master-At-Arms 1st Class Michael Daniel, Aviation Structural Mechanic 3rd Class Jacqueline Bucci, Machinist’s Mate 3rd Class Melanie Mackes, Aviation Ordnanceman 3rd Class Tiffany Szalwinski, Electrician’s Mate 3rd Class Cornealous Tyler, and Aviation Ordnanceman Airman Apprentice Arthur Barton all offered their time when volunteers were asked for at the last minute.

Amber Lynn Daniel, NAVSTA Everett Ombudsman, said the Sailors volunteered last minute, sacrificed a day off, some even worked in the rain, and one drove all the way from Bremerton.

“You often don’t see that level of commitment to volunteering in our community,” said Amber Daniel. “Naval Station Everett should be very, very proud of these Sailors.”

The Sailors not only spent their hours volunteering for the elderly but they were able to set a good example to the teens they were working with.

“It was awesome to see,” said Amber Daniel. “The Sailors were not just volunteers, they were people the teens could look up to.”

The Sailors who volunteered had a good time and enjoyed the experience.

“I like to get out and participate in that kind of thing and that’s not as easy anymore with a one year old,” said Bucci who was able to bring her daughter along.

“It was fun,” said Szalwinski. “I’ve already signed up to do it again.”

The work the Sailors did was greatly appreciated and recognized by all, especially the teens they volunteered with and the elderly clients they assisted.

“The client we helped greatly appreciated the work we provided to help get her house squared away,” said Bucci.

“They made an impact not just on the community but also on the teens they volunteered with,” said Amber Daniel.