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Volunteers are sought for service projects at Sierra Lakes School

By FONTANA HERALD NEWS

HandsOn Inland Empire, an initiative of the Inland Empire United Way, will lead Inland Empire area volunteers in observing the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service on Monday, Jan. 19.

HandsOn Inland Empire will engage more than 500 volunteers in transforming lessons learned from Dr. King's Poor People's Campaign into community service projects that address the limitations of poverty and provide volunteers an opportunity to positively impact others ability to live with dignity, respect, justice, equality and freedom.

Two of the community service projects will be at Sierra Lakes Elementary School in Fontana:

-- A school clean-up will take place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Sierra Lakes.

Groups will work together to clean up assigned pre-designated areas by removing trash, recyclables, and other bulky items. Additional tasks include exterior cleaning, painting, and gardening.

Volunteers must be at least 8 years of age. Volunteers under the age of 18 must have their parent or guardian complete a HOIE Liability and Release form for Minors.

-- A community-led educational forum will be at Sierra Lakes from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

There will be a showing of the film “Our Friend, Martin.” This film serves to give a glimpse into the life of Dr. King and the Civil Rights Movement.

Students, parents and volunteers will be actively engaged in a discussion about the movie. This discussion is designed to bring a better understanding of the life of Dr. King and how to incorporate his dream into everyday life.

In 1994, Congress passed the King Holiday and Service Act, designating the King Holiday as a national day of volunteer service instead of a day off from work or school. Congress asked Americans of all backgrounds and ages to celebrate Dr. King's legacy by turning community concerns into citizen action.

Although the scope of the event grows every year, many people still are not aware of the service component of the holiday. HandsOn Inland Empire's observance, on what would have been Dr. King's 80th birthday, has several components that will raise awareness of Dr. King's mission and fulfill the purpose of the holiday.

For additional information on HandsOn Inland Empire's 2009 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service, contact Francine Gobert at fgobert@ieuw.org. A list of all the projects and registration information can also be found on www.HandsOnInlandEmpire.org.

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