From the University of Bridgeport:
University of Bridgeport student organizers say they have planned more volunteer projects than ever this Martin Luther King Jr. Day, and they’re urging the public to join them as they pitch in at area nonprofits and other organizations during Day of Service, a volunteerism campaign held in communities throughout the U.S. every January to honor the civil rights leader.
Day of Service events in Fairfield County will be held January 16, 2012 and are being coordinated by the University of Bridgeport (UB) Office of Student Activities and Community Services and the Division of Student Affairs, Southwest CT AHEC, and BuildOn.
“This year’s focus is on providing support and service to veterans in the greater Bridgeport area,” said Edina Oestreicher, assistant dean of students at UB. “To this end, we will be working with veterans on Habitat for Humanity building projects, organizing a canned food drive to benefit Homes for the Brave and engaging in a letter-writing campaign for servicemen and women. We really encourage the community to make MLK Day ‘a day ON, not a day off’ by inviting them to spend time with family, friends and work colleagues in giving back to those in need.”
Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. in the John J. Cox Student Center on the UB campus at 244 University Avenue, Bridgeport. There will be an opening ceremony featuring guest speakers, including an Iraqi war veterans, and entertainment. Service projects begin at 9:45 a.m. and most will be completed by 2 p.m. At that time, volunteers will gather back at the Student Center for a time of reflection, raffle for special prizes, and the closing ceremony.
All volunteers will receive a free T-shirt, light breakfast, and lunch. More information as well volunteer pre-registration is currently available online at www.bridgeport.edu/mlkday.
This year, there are ample opportunities to get involved. They include:
• Bridgeport Public Library, Burroughs Main Branch: Volunteers are needed to help move boxes and shelve books in preparation for their book sale.
• Books of Hope: Help make books in English for schools to help students improve literacy.
• Field of Hope: Assist with a variety of activities for our annual indoor carnival/community expo.
• Hope School: Organizing and painting of school facilities.
• Knitting Project: Knit hats and scarves for cancer patients.
• Living World Ministries: Various projects
• Habitat for Humanity: Build kitchen cabinets and other projects with veterans.
• Harborview Towers Lunch With Seniors: Enjoy pleasant conversation and a meal with seniors.
• Jewish Home for the Elderly: Play games, read, and interact with seniors.
• Spooner House: Sort donations for their food pantry.
• YMCA of Bridgeport: Organize activity classrooms.
*** UB should contact Bpt AIC (Community Solutions) for help with workers for MLK day. They have people doing community service 5 days a week from all walks of life. *** One never knows, do one? ***