半岛体育 has partnered with to create and amplify stories of inspiration that advocate for access to arts and cultural experiences for young people across the country. The following article is written by the team at and adapted from their online publication Inspired.
During the lead up to Martin Luther King Jr. Day鈥攄edicated to service, unity, and social justice鈥攅mployees from Situation Group came together to support (OMB) in a hands-on, creative workshop. Their mission? To craft costumes that will help bring OMB鈥檚 interactive theater performances to life for children in hospitals, care facilities, and special education programs.
This meaningful collaboration not only honored Dr. King's legacy, but also reinforced the power of the arts to heal, uplift, and unite communities鈥攁n idea deeply embedded in both OMB鈥檚 work and Dr. King鈥檚 vision of a Beloved Community.
Only Make Believe: Theatre That Transforms Lives
For 25 years, Only Make Believe has been bringing the magic of live theatre to children facing medical and developmental challenges. Founded by Dena Hammerstein, the organization believes that every child deserves the chance to dream, create, and experience joy. OMB鈥檚 actors perform fully interactive, sensory-based shows designed to engage children of all abilities, fostering creativity, social connection, and emotional resilience.
"We see the power of theatre in action every day," says Tamela Aldridge, Executive Director of Only Make Believe, in an interview previously published by Inspired. "It gives these kids a chance to express themselves, to laugh, to imagine a world beyond the challenges they face. And that is truly transformative."
With a presence in New York City, Washington, D.C., and beyond, OMB has reached over 100,000 children, making a direct and lasting impact. Their work relies on dedicated volunteers, corporate partnerships, and community engagement, ensuring that children who might not otherwise have access to the arts can experience its magic.
The MLK Jr. Day Workshop: Crafting Costumes, Creating Joy
Martin Luther King Jr. Day is not just a day of remembrance, it鈥檚 a call to action. In that spirit, employees from Situation Group rolled up their sleeves and channeled their creativity into making costumes for OMB鈥檚 productions. For many of the participants, this hands-on activity was a powerful reminder of why arts access matters.
"Knowing that the costumes we created will be used by children in OMB鈥檚 programs made this experience incredibly meaningful," shared one Situation Group employee. 鈥淔or a child, it can make a huge difference鈥攈elping them step into a story, feel like a hero, and get lost in the magic of make-believe."
Another volunteer reflected on the deeper significance of the day: "Dr. King spoke about the importance of service, of showing up for others. This was a way for us to do that鈥攖o use our talents to bring joy to kids who need it most."
Why Dr. King鈥檚 Vision Matters in the Arts
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. believed in equity, inclusion, and the power of community. He envisioned a world where all children鈥攔egardless of background or ability鈥攈ad the opportunity to thrive. That vision aligns deeply with Only Make Believe鈥檚 mission to bring theatre to children who might otherwise be left out of traditional arts experiences.
Theatre, like Dr. King鈥檚 message, has the power to unite. It brings people together, fosters understanding, and creates moments of shared humanity. Through programs like OMB, children who may feel isolated鈥攚hether due to illness, disability, or other challenges鈥攆ind a place where they can belong, express themselves, and experience joy.
The Ripple Effect: How Small Acts of Service Create Lasting Change
"This experience reminded me that change doesn鈥檛 always happen in big, dramatic moments," said a Situation Group volunteer. "Sometimes, it鈥檚 in the small, creative acts of service that we make the biggest impact."
As Only Make Believe continues its mission, the organization welcomes more opportunities for engagement, volunteerism, and support. The MLK Jr. Day workshop was a powerful example of how businesses, individuals, and nonprofits can come together to make a difference鈥攐ne costume, one child, one performance at a time.
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