MLK 2013

MLK 2013

January 21, 2013 will mark the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. federal holiday. This milestone is a perfect opportunity for Americans to honor Dr. King’s legacy through service. The MLK Day of Service empowers individuals, strengthens communities, bridges barriers, creates solutions to social problems, and moves us closer to Dr. King’s vision of a beloved community.

Dr. King believed in a nation of freedom and justice for all, and encouraged all citizens to live up to the purpose and potential of America by applying the principles of nonviolence to make this country a better place to live. The MLK Day of Service is a way to transform Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr's life and teachings into community action that helps solve social problems. That service may meet a tangible need, or it may meet a need of the spirit. On this day, Americans of every age and background celebrate Dr. King through service projects.

The Volunteer Center of Cedar Valley and the ISU Extension and Outreach of Black Hawk County will sponsor a morning of service for elementary age children on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Children will gather at First Presbyterian Church, 505 Franklin St. in Waterloo at 10 a.m. Youth will engage in service projects for the community including: making fleece blankets for young children in hospitals, baking and decorating cookies for the Cedar Valley Hospitality House, and writing letters to service members. The morning service event will conclude with a lunch at noon. All elementary age children in the Cedar Valley are invited to attend. Adult volunteers are also invited to participate.

Dr. King taught us that everyone has a role to play in making our communities great. This is one small attempt to fulfill Dr. King’s dream.

Questions may be directed to Jean Seeland at 319-272-2087.