On Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a coalition of community partners transformed service into a powerful act of dignity at Digital Harbor High School. Members of Orange and Black Gives Back—the employee and family volunteer program of the Baltimore Orioles—joined forces with Thread and CareFirst to refresh and reimagine student and faculty bathrooms across the campus.
In total, volunteers updated 20 bathrooms with fresh paint, artist-led murals, and inspirational wall decals, turning often-overlooked spaces into welcoming environments that reflect care and respect. The visual upgrades were designed to uplift students and staff alike, reinforcing the idea that everyday spaces can—and should—support well-being.
Beyond aesthetics, the project addressed critical needs. Volunteers packed and installed dispensers stocked with hygiene supplies and safe-sex products in each bathroom, ensuring students have access to essential resources that help combat period poverty and support sexual health. For many young people, reliable access to these items can make a meaningful difference in their ability to focus, feel confident, and stay engaged in school.
The effort embodied the spirit of Dr. King’s call to service—meeting real needs through collective action. By focusing on spaces students use daily, the partners demonstrated that equity is built through practical, thoughtful investments in dignity.
Thread, a Baltimore-based nonprofit, grounded the day’s work in a broader commitment to ending social isolation and building an equitable culture within Baltimore City public schools. The organization supports students facing significant challenges by connecting them with consistent, caring relationships and resources—work that extends well beyond a single day of service.
For Orange and Black Gives Back, the project reflected the Orioles organization’s ongoing commitment to Baltimore. Through local service initiatives, the program mobilizes employees, players, coaches, and families to support youth development, address food insecurity, and strengthen neighborhoods across the region.
As students returned to Digital Harbor High School following the holiday, they encountered more than refreshed walls. They saw evidence that their community is investing in their health, comfort, and dignity—an affirmation that service, when done with intention, can leave a lasting impact long after Martin Luther King Jr. Day has passed.
