DHSS HIGHLIGHTS MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. DAY OF SERVICE EVENTS ACROSS DELAWARE

NEW CASTLE (Jan. 13, 2016) - To mark the 2016 Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service on Monday, Jan. 18, the State Office of Volunteerism and community organizations throughout the state will host activities highlighting the importance of community work in service to others.

Delawareans are encouraged to honor Dr. King's legacy by making an impact and demonstrating how individual and collective service can be an important response to our communities' biggest challenges.

"We urge Delawareans to join in these or many other service activities on Martin Luther King Jr. Day or a day of their choosing," Department of Health and Social Services Secretary Rita Landgraf said. "Dr. King's enduring legacy is tied to the promise of eliminating poverty, racism and violence. There is no greater way to embrace that legacy than to answer his passionate call to action, 'Life's most persistent and urgent question is: 'What are you doing for others?' " Secretary Landgraf said the MLK Day of Service offers individuals the opportunity to reflect on the principles of equality and kindness that Dr. King embodied. She said Dr. King believed in celebrating and promoting the worth of every person, and he championed the dream of diverse cultures living and thriving together in a spirit of love, understanding and service to one another.

"The opportunity to make the world a better place for all was the foundation of the life and legacy of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King," said DHSS' Director of Division of State Service Centers Renee P. Beaman. "Each of us has the ability to provide a positive change through volunteerism and service. Lend your time and talents while making it a "day on" and not a "day off' by participating in this year's Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service."

In that same spirit, the State Office of Volunteerism is committed to promoting Dr. King's legacy of service to others. Among this year's events:

• New Castle County
  Red Clay School District will host a community clothing drive from 10 a.m.-noon Monday, Jan. 18, at Brandywine Springs School cafeteria, 2916 Duncan Road, Pike Creek. Donations of new and gently used clothing will benefit Friendship House, which has been serving vulnerable people in New Castle County for 30 years. To learn more about Friendship House, go to www.friendship-house.org. www.facebook.com/BrandywineSpringsSchool/posts/1245102895506812?fref=nf The King Day of Service will include a 5K Run with a finisher's medal, a one-mile fun run, Fleece for Keeps activity, Line Dane-a-thon, Civil Rights Movie Marathon and Concession Counter. All proceeds to benefit Mary Mother House of Hope Delaware. Please email kingdayofservice@gmail.com or visit www.kingdayofservice.com .
• Kent County
  Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge is waiving its entrance feel to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day. 302-653-9345 or www.fws.org.
• Sussex County
  On Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 16 and 17, the Volunteer Delaware 50+ Advisory Council will host a food drive for families who are homeless or have low incomes at the Giant Food Store in Millville, the Giant Food Store in Long Neck, the Giant Food Store in Rehoboth Beach and the Redner's Markets in Milford. All from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Contact Ann Gorrin at 302-255-3026.
  The American Legion Auxiliary Unit 28 is collecting gently used handbags for girls and women who are homeless. Called "Promise Purses," the donated purses will be filled with donated items on MLK Day in the Memorial Hall at American Legion Unit 28, Route 24, Millsboro, starting at 10 a.m. Call Beth at 302-947-2984, Tina at 302-329-9090 or Linda at 302-975-5387. Additional events are attached and being added daily. To learn more about these and other opportunities, visit www.volunteerdelaware.org.

Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware's citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.