Four Ways to Serve on Martin Luther King Jr. Day
By Ben Seal
Drexel will be closed Jan. 16 in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, and the University is once again sponsoring a series of events and service opportunities to celebrate his legacy as a leader in the civil rights movement. Beginning Sunday and for the following two weeks Drexel students, staff, faculty and alumni have opportunities to carry on the spirit of King’s work by cleaning up a local K-8 school, providing supplies to veterans and painting a mural that will be placed in the neighboring community.
Third Annual Family Read-along and Book Give-away — Monday, Jan. 16, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. — Dornsife Center for Neighborhood Partnerships, 3509 Spring Garden St., Philadelphia
West Philadelphia Action for Early Learning Initiative (AFEL) will be honoring King’s legacy as part of the Dornsife Center for Neighborhood Partnerships’ day of service. Parents, caregivers and children of all ages are encouraged to participate. Children’s books will be distributed. Raffle prizes include a netbook computer. AFEL is a partnership of Drexel and People’s Emergency Center. Space and supplies are limited. No volunteers are needed, but families are encouraged to participate in the legacy of King’s dream of the importance of literacy and community. Register at actionece@pec-cares.org or call 267.777.5897.
The following three events are being promoted by the Lindy Center for Civic Engagement. Employees can sign up to volunteer for most opportunities via Career Pathway. For more information, email lindycenter@drexel.edu.
Veterans Group Stand Down — Sunday, Jan. 15, from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and Monday, Jan. 16, from 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. — Girard College, 2101 S. College Ave., Philadelphia
The Lindy Center, the Thomas R. Kline School of Law and The Veterans Group are partnering with Global Citizen and Girard College to provide supplies and services to homeless veterans. On Sunday, volunteer duties include setting up tables and sorting clothing donations. On Monday, duties include greeting veterans, handing out hygiene products and clothing, helping veterans create email addresses, and helping them navigate benefits. Donations of clothing, coats and unused hygiene products will be welcomed. Volunteers are needed for both shifts, and lunch will be provided both days. Members of the Drexel community will meet at the dragon statute at 33rd and Market streets before going to the event. More information is available on the sign-up page.
McMichael School Makeover — Monday, Jan. 16, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. — 3543 Fairmount Ave., Philadelphia
Drexel and the McMichael School family will be painting and cleaning the school for the benefit of its students. The event is sponsored by the School of Education, LeBow BRIDGE and the Lindy Center for Civic Engagement. Drexel community members can meet at 8:30 a.m. at the dragon statue or at the school at 9 a.m. Lunch will be provided. Remember to wear painting clothes! More information is available on the sign-up page.
Mural Arts Painting — Shifts available from Jan. 17 through Jan. 31, between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. — 118 Fontain St., Philadelphia
Volunteers are needed to help complete the mural, designed by artist Betsy Casanas, that will be installed on the Spring Garden St. bridge this spring. Volunteers should have at least basic art skills. Volunteer duties include painting by numbers while seated or standing. Mural Arts staff will be on hand to assist with the project. Shifts are available on Jan. 17, 18, 23, 24, 25, 30 and 31. Volunteers can attend for any amount of time on as many days as they would like. Wear clothes you can paint in! More information is available on the sign-up page.