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January 15, 2009

PC(USA) encourages participation in National Day of Service

Web site connects volunteers to events across the nation

by Susan Lindsey
Senior Communications Associate

LOUISVILLE ― To commemorate a man who lived his life in service to others, in 1994 Congress transformed the Martin Luther King, Jr., holiday into a national day of community service. Presbyterians across the nation are encouraged to join in this day of service as individuals or in groups.

While anyone can organize an event that helps others, people can also participate by going to the Web site to find events already planned in their communities. Events are being held Jan. 17, 18 and 19.

The site features a broad range of activities, sponsored by such groups as the American Red Cross, the Urban League, Retired Senior Volunteers, college student associations, community centers, the NAACP, peace activists, homeless shelters, hunger programs, environmental organizations, Goodwill and a host of other associations and individuals.

This year, President-elect Barack Obama is calling on all Americans to offer more than a single day of service and instead make an ongoing commitment to serving our communities.

“Presbyterians engage in service in innumerable ways every day of every week, all year long,” said Linda Valentine, executive director of the General Assembly Council. “We celebrate this initiative to encourage all people to join in service on Martin Luther King Day.”