By Michelle Durham

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) — The National Constitution Center, on Independence Mall, had lots of activities today for the thousands of Delaware Valley kids who had the day off from school for Martin Luther King Day.

Eileen Shanahan, a parent (in top photo), said she had a purpose in mind in planning the day’s activities with her children.

“I want the kids to see that it’s important to know who Dr. King was and what his message was,” she tells KYW Newsradio, “do service work, and how important it is for everyone to pitch in and try to help out and to try to carry his work on.”

Eileen’s children, Maggie and Thomas, were busy sewing and stuffing pillows to be donated to Women Against Abuse.

“I feel good because it feels like you are helping other people,” said Maggie.  “And it really feels like you’re doing the Martin Luther King spirit.”

On the second floor, eight-year-old Gabrielle (right below) and nine-year-old Sidk (center) were among a group taking part in a quilting project.

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(Credit: Michelle Durham)

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Meanwhile, downstairs, children participated in a special arts-and-crafts project, creating a “dreamcatcher.”

“Martin Luther King had a dream and made a big speech on it,” says Ben Brown of the Constitution Center.  “We’re just having the kids write down their dreams.”

The papers containing the dreams are strung on yarn and hung up on the wall.