LOS ANGELES — In a powerful display of what it means to “Go Give It,” more than a thousand volunteers gathered Monday for Big Sunday’s annual MLK Day Clothing Drive, transforming a simple day of service into a massive wave of kindness, compassion, and empathy.
The event, one of the nation’s largest volunteer-led clothing drives, saw people of all ages and backgrounds join forces to sort and assemble more than 4,500 pounds of new and gently used clothing. The items were donated to 60 different organizations across the region, providing essential support to veterans, foster youth, and families in need.
From the perspective of Heartitude—a philosophy centered on leading, living, and loving from the heart—the event was more than just a logistical success. It was a tangible example of the “unseen ripples” created when a community chooses to act with collective compassion.
“When you lead from the heart, the impact is always greater because it’s genuine,” said Bruce Petillo, founder of Heartitude. “Big Sunday’s efforts perfectly capture the essence of what we call ‘Heartitude’—the quality of treating every person with dignity and making a conscious choice to help relieve the suffering of others.”
The drive featured a meticulously organized “street” of volunteers who processed piles of sweatshirts, coats, and professional attire. For many participants, the event served as a reminder that empathy is the link that connects hearts across diverse backgrounds.
“Big Sunday has always been about bringing people together to help others,” said David Levinson, Big Sunday’s founder and executive director. “Seeing a thousand people from every walk of life working side-by-side to make sure someone else stays warm is exactly how we should be honoring Dr. King’s legacy.”
The 4,500 pounds of clothing collected will support a wide range of recipients, ensuring that the kindness shared on Monday continues to impact lives long after the event concludes.
For Heartitude, this milestone is a call to action for others to find their own ways to “Go Give It” in their daily lives. By spotlighting stories of genuine goodness like Big Sunday’s, the movement aims to inspire a culture where kindness is not just an occasional act, but a way of life.