TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — The 13th annual “Paint the Town” event was held on Saturday morning, with 26 community projects being completed in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

With the holiday just around the corner, more than 300 community members came together to complete these projects, with the majority helping hurricane victims.

From picking up trash to cleaning up parks, and everything in between, Tampa Bay came together to lend a helping hand.

“It’s always great around the Martin Luther King holiday weekend, where the community comes back— and some of it is giving back, but some of it is also showing pride and giving a refresh to the community as the year starts,” said Francis Joseph.

This event was held by the University Area CDC, and CEO, Dr. Sarah Combs, said together we are stronger.

“In honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.— love, support, and unity. Get out and do something positive in the community. Show some love to one another,” said Dr. Combs. “It’s so important that the community comes out, shows up, and spreads love on the University Area Community. This community has been through a lot through this last hurricane, and they need some love and support.”

Francis Joseph, and his group, CANDO, have volunteered for all 13 years.

He and his team helped clean the streets.

“It’s awesome just to see everybody come together, show our support for those that are a little bit challenged,” Joseph said.”This community has been challenged, but we are working through it. A lot of good days ahead of us.”

Dozens of groups worked in and around the University Area Community Park, with each project making a difference.

“There’s always a light at the end of the tunnel and coming out of this hurricane, a lot of people need to see that light,” Dr. Combs said.

Though 26 projects were completed, the work is not done.

One of the groups focused on building several E-bikes. Next week, the bikes will be distributed to community members.

For more information on the projects, click here.