Your Guide to One Boston Day 2017

Two years ago, Mayor Marty Walsh declared April 15 One Boston Day, a day that commemorates the resiliency and strength demonstrated by Bostonians in the wake of the 2013 Boston Marathon bombings. If you want to take part in this new annual tradition, but aren’t sure where to start, browse our list below to find a way that you can make a difference this Saturday ahead of the 2017 Boston Marathon.

Honor Martin Richard by picking up trash, watering gardens, and planting flowers.

Martin Richard, the youngest victim of the marathon bombings, loved participating in his local neighborhood clean-up day. To honor his memory, the Martin Richard Foundation will be beautifying spots all over Dorchester on Saturday, including Ryan Playground, the Mather School, and Dorchester Avenue. The afternoon will conclude with a moment of silence at 2:49 p.m. in Peabody Square, in remembrance of the bombing victims.

Pre-registration required, multiple locations, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., moment of silence at the Peabody Square clock at 2:49 p.m., martinrichardfoundation.org.

Bring infant necessities to the Royal Sonesta Boston.

From the 15th through 30th, the Royal Sonesta will collect donations of baby wipes, diapers, and formula for the East End House, a community center that helps guide under-resourced children and youth into adulthood. Baby products are some of the East End House’s most needed items.

April 15-30, Royal Sonesta Boston, 40 Edwin Land Blvd., Cambridge, sonesta.com.

Bring an extra pair of socks to the Franklin Park Zoo.

On April 15, zoogoers are encouraged to donate new pairs of socks to benefit the homelessness service programs of Bay Cove Human Services. The older adults and seniors of Bay Cove’s day program will be among the recipients. Boxes will be available for drop-offs at the admission booths.

10 a.m.-6 p.m., Franklin Park Zoo, 1 Franklin Park Road, Boston, zoonewengland.org.

Have lunch at ArtBar Cambridge.

ArtBar Cambridge has promised to donate a portion of the day’s proceeds to the Sean A. Collier Self-Scholarship Fund, a scholarship named for the officer who was tragically shot and killed while defending the MIT community after the marathon bombings. The scholarship allows one recruit each year to work through the Lowell Police Academy, just as Officer Collier sponsored himself through the Transit Academy to begin his career in law enforcement.

6:30 a.m.-3 p.m., 5-10 p.m., ArtBar Cambridge, 40 Edwin Land Blvd., Cambridge, sonesta.com.

Give blood at the Sheraton.

Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood. Do your part by participating in the American Red Cross’s blood drive at the Sheraton Boston. Walk-ins are welcome, or enter code “BostonStrong” on the Red Cross’s website to make an appointment.

10 a.m.-3 p.m., Sheraton Boston Hotel, 39 Dalton St., Boston, redcrossblood.org.

Thank a veteran.

Show your gratitude to those who have served by participating in “Operation Thank a Veteran,” one of the many events Marty Walsh is spearheading on Saturday. Volunteers will visit veterans and their families in the Dorchester neighborhood, with the goal of reaching out to every single veteran in Boston.

11:30 a.m., Cleveland Community Center, 11 Charles St., Dorchester, 617-241-8387.

Split a pizza with your favorite first responder.

Fast casual chain Blaze Pizza will honor those who risk their lives to keep the community safe by treating all first responders to free pizza at their three Boston locations.

Multiple locations, hours vary, blazepizza.com.

For more information on the day’s events, visit onebostonday.org.

Featured image via City of Boston