Students from the Greenwich Country Day School (GCDS) stepped out of the classroom on Tuesday to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by participating in projects across the state and in New York City.

The Day of Service is nothing new for the preparatory school. At the Wallace Center in Greenwich, a group of students wrote letters of thanks and packed toiletry bags with the help of seniors in the community.

The toiletry bags will be taken to the James J. Peters Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in the Bronx. According to the VA, The VA Bronx Healthcare System is one of the leading health care systems serving Veterans in the New York/New Jersey VA Health Care Network.

"To be able to have a day to do service, and that's all we're focusing on; today has been so amazing, so incredible. I think it's just a great opportunity for all of us," said Siena Christiansen, a junior at the day school.

Shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrushes and lotion were some of the items placed into the toiletry bags for veterans. It's a project that hits close to home for some of the students who have family members who served.

"I've kind of been thanking them for their service and what they've done for our country. And I've also kind of put notes like one of my hobbies, so they can kind of relate to me, and understand what it's like, like the younger generation, and kind of what we're doing," said Eli Etra, another junior at the day school.

Students in nursery through eighth grade packed food to address food insecurity in the community. High school students were sent to different areas of Fairfield County and New York City, volunteering at senior centers, food distribution centers and literacy programs.

Anthony Bowes, a history teacher at GCDS, said service projects happen throughout the year and benefit the students and teachers.

"Everybody gets so busy, but we don't have anything else to do today besides think about somebody else and Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy and participating in a day of service," Bowes said.

Lorene Herzog, who lives in Greenwich, tries to find a new way to give back every year for the federal holiday. This year, she chose to help pack bags with the students. Her father served in Korea, and her grandfather and uncle both served in World War II.

"I think it's good that they're aware that there are people out there, men and women in other countries, you know, fighting for freedom and for what we believe in. My father was in Korea, and when he came back, no one really said anything. Back then they didn't really, thank the veterans like they're doing today," Herzog said.