It was a day to make a difference, not a day off.

More than 150 volunteers turned up at Somerset Academy in Bridgewater on Monday, Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

Painters made three murals with sayings to help encourage the kids at the K-12 school for students with special needs and alternative education.

"Today I have the power to change my story," was painted on the wall outside the guidance office.

"I want the kids to think about college and careers," said Principal Dr. Karleen Kemp.

Laying flat on the gym floor Alex Cabagrotti, and two other volunteers, slowly tied two layers of cloth together to make a blanket.

"We made more than 400 kits for children who will spend their first night in a shelter," said Michelle Dee from Jersey Cares.

Jersey Cares is a non profit group that coordinates volunteers in New Jersey.

The gym had tables filled with people making blankets, pillows and toys for children.