“Everybody can be great, because everybody can serve.”
Initiated by Congress in 1994, King Day of Service, is a nationwide effort to transform the federal holiday honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. into a day of community service. Community service, grounded in Dr. King’s teachings, will help solve social problems.
Dr. King recognized the power of service to strengthen communities while reaching for a common goal. Following the devastating Flood of 2008, community is more important now than ever. It is through the amazing spirit of the community and the willingness to come together that Cedar Rapids will recover and rebuild.
Acknowledging the devastation, suffering, and the enormous needs of the community, the MLK Task Force for Cedar Rapids has expanded the opportunities for individuals to serve the community. Individuals are invited to “make it a day on, not a day off” anytime January 15 through January 22. Volunteers may register for opportunities throughout the Cedar Rapids community by calling the Volunteer Reception Center volunteer line at 319-540-4810.
In conjunction with the MLK Day festivities, VISTA Flood Recovery is collecting items of essential need in post-flood Cedar Rapids. Disaster victims have reported a scarcity of the following:
- New Socks Male/Female All Sizes
- New Underwear Male/Female All Sizes
- New/Gently Used Boots Male/Female All Sizes
- New/Gently Used Coats Male/Female Sizes XL, XXL, and up
Collection boxes will be placed throughout Cedar Rapids at areas including Payless Shoes at Westdale Mall, Sears at Lindale Mall, Mercy Medical Center, and St. Luke’s Hospital. For a complete list of locations or more information about how to donate, please call the VISTA office at 319-730-1118. Items will be distributed on January 19th in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. National Day of Service.