BOSTON (CBS) – Governor Patrick joined hundreds of eighth grade students from across the state on Saturday for a day of service in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

For the second year, Project 351 “ambassadors” volunteered at social service organizations around the Boston area.

Their activities included making blankets for seniors and painting murals of MLK.

The ambassadors, chosen from the 351 cities and towns in the commonwealth began the day with a Town Hall Meeting at the State House.

The Governor spoke with students about how important it is to give back.

“They live it,” he told WBZ NewsRadio 1030’s Kim Tunnicliffe. “That was the message of Dr. King. It’s not just what we say we believe, it’s how we act. It’s how we show up to help our neighbors. And they’re here to inspire each other and they certainly do inspire me.”

WBZ NewsRadio 1030′s Kim Tunnicliffe reports

Students who participated say it’s important for them to give back.