Volunteer activities, opportunities highlight commemoration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day
The Volunteer Center of Burlington County is once again collaborating with Burlington County Library by offering residents of all ages an opportunity to commemorate Martin Luther King Day on Monday, Jan. 15, through community service.
Burlington County residents of all ages are invited to stop by the Burlington County Library Main Branch, 5 Pioneer Blvd., Westampton, between the hours of 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. to participate in a variety of service activities.
“Once again the Volunteer Service is underscoring the importance of making MLK Day A Day On, Not A Day Off,” Volunteer Center President Kim Mattson said. “We have all come to learn that even the smallest community service deed can make a difference.”
Activities and donation opportunities include:
• Food Collection for the Oaks Integrated Food Pantry — Mount Holly
Serving Burlington County residents in need, the Pantry gladly accepts food donations which include peanut butter and jelly, breakfast items such as oatmeal and cereal, kid friendly snacks such as granola bars, canned meat/fish, microwaveable foods such as Easy mac or Chef Boyardee, and canned fruits and vegetables.
• Animal Supplies Collection for Burlington County Animal Shelter:
Caring for our animals requires a lot of time, love, money, and supplies. Here is the Shelter’s “Wish List,” to help with the day-to-day care of animals and support its operational needs: Frontline, canned dog food, HE laundry detergent, dry dog food, towels, blankets, sheets, dog treats , pillow cases, wash rags, dog toys (especially plastic/rubber), antibacterial hand soap/hand sanitizer, canned cat food , paper towels dry cat food, brooms, scrub bushes, cat toys (plastic), fabric softener sheets , cat litter (non-clumping), bleach and plug in room freshener.
• Operation Yellow Ribbon of South Jersey
Operation Yellow Ribbon supports United States Military Forces serving in the Middle East including Iraq, Afghanistan, as well as those supporting Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Inherent Resolve. Items requested and appreciated include: Tasty Kakes, Protein/Energy Bars, Protein Powder, Girl Scout Cookies, 5 Hour Energy Drink Products, Mio Liquid Water Enhancer, Rice Crispy treats, Bagged tuna and chicken, chewing gum/hard candy,etc, Dry roasted peanuts/mixed nuts, Potato chips in cylinder or can, Dried fruit, Beef Jerky, Baby powder, Baby wipes, Visine or Saline eye drops, Chapstick, Crystal Light Drink Mix Individual Packets, Powdered drink mix (Gatorade, etc.), Puffs/Kleenex, Hand sanitizer, Puzzle or crossword books, Batteries (AA, AAA, C, D), Hand held electronic games: poker, bingo, etc., Foot powder, Sunscreen, Skittles, Swedish Fish ,Twizzlers, Breakfast Bars, Slim Jim’s, Ground Coffee, Tea, Pumpkin Seeds, Sunflower Seeds. Specialty Items for Women include: Shampoo & Conditioner, Moisturizing Bath Soap, Ladies Deodorant, Body Lotion• Emery Boards, Small Hand Mirrors, Shower Sponges/Loofahs, Body Wash, Q-Tips, Ladies hygiene products
Note: All collected/donated Items to be dropped-off at the Burlington County Library Main Branch between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 15
– Card Making
With supplies provided by the library, youngsters can craft greeting cards to distribute to care facility residents in Burlington County, to brighten a room and day for our more fragile neighbors.
– Volunteer Opportunities Fair
Once again, several organizations will be on hand to provided information regarding their respective volunteer opportunities
– “Like” Volunteer Center Facebook Page Drive:
The Volunteer Center Facebook Page now has nearly 1650 “ Likes” — 1,650 ambassadors for volunteerism. Between now and MLK Day the goal is to surpass 2,000 “Likes.” Every additional “Like” helps the Center keep the 448,000 plus County residents better informed as to how they are and can they can make a difference in the quality of all citizens and community life.
Folks can like us at www.facebook.com/VolunteerCenterBurlingtonCounty or sign-on at the Center 11th Annual MLK Day Challenge event from 11 am — 3 pm at the Burlington County Library — Main Branch — Pioneer Blvd., Westampton, NJ.
It was in 1994 that Congress passed the King Holiday and Service Act. Since then, the Corporation for National and Community Service, in collaboration with the Martin Luther King, Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change, has taken the lead in helping transform the King Holiday into a day of service to meet community needs. www.mlkday.org.
If a group, business, place of worship or school is conducting a community service project in honor of Dr. King on or about MLK Day, please notify the Volunteer Center — volcenter@hotmail.com.
For more information call the Volunteer Center at (609) 894–9311, Ext. 1492. Email: volcenter@hotmail.com.
