Preparing for MLK Day of Service

BY GAIL BIRON, Contributor

GULFPORT — An appropriate way to honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. is through service and volunteering in our communities.  Dr. King devoted his life to advancing equality, social justice and economic opportunity for all.  He challenged us to build a more perfect union and taught us that everyone has a role to play.

On Saturday, Jan. 14, Gulfport residents will step up to serve as volunteers at their Annual MLK Day of Service. Volunteers will work at a variety of service projects throughout this area, joining hundreds of thousands of Americans across the United States.  The City of Gulfport’s Day of Service leverages the strength of our citizens, focusing on areas of need affecting members of our community.

In past years, the Gulfport MLK Day of Service has organized neighbors at food pantries, homeless shelter, Bill Young VAMC, Gulfport Senior Center, CASA, Clam Bayou, Pinellas Animal Services, neighborhood cleanups, including Gulfport Fire and Gulfport neighbors and much more!

On Jan. 14 we are inviting you to join many of your neighbors and friends by rolling up your sleeves in service.  Together we will be ready to get out and serve!

All information, details and how to register will be available at mygulfport.us/mlkdayofservice.  We will also be updating the website with lots of information on projects, seeking volunteers, providing times and locations, Facebook page, photos from prior MLK Day of Service in Gulfport, etc.

For more information, please contact (727) 893-1118.

Your 2017 MLK Day of Service Team: Gail Biron (Technical Events Specialist-Events), Justin Shea (Cultural Facilities Events Supervisor) and Yolanda Roman (Gulfport City Council Member, Ward 3).