MLK National Day of Service – A Day ON instead of a Day Off The MLK Community Coalition of Lebanon is urging community members to make Jan. 21st a Day ON instead of a Day off by committing to community service at the Lebanon Junior High School, 160 Miller Road, Lebanon, Ohio from 12 noon – 4 pm. MLK Exhibit Area The entire family is invited to volunteer, network, have fun and learn about Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Children can enjoy face painting, arts and crafts. The community can explore jobs and volunteer service opportunities. The Lebanon Police Department will also be on site to provide free Internet Safety software for parents along with free Child ID kits with fingerprints and DNA. MLK 2013 Focus – Support our Military Families The National Day of Service Initiative for 2013, Support our Military Families, has been adopted by The MLK Community Coalition of Lebanon. There are three ways to support military families on MLK Day in Lebanon: 1)Volunteers can help spruce up the American Legion Post 186, 620 N. Broadway, by cleaning, painting and repairing. Donations of supplies and paint are also needed. 2)Donations are need of unwanted and expired coupons for military families overseas. These coupons can be used up to 6 months past the expiration date at commissaries. Volunteers are needed to help clip coupons at the Lebanon Junior High School. 3)The community is invited to drop off or make Valentine’s Day cards for service men and women or donate gifts, toys and candy for military families at the Lebanon Junior High School to show our appreciate for their dedication and service. Volunteer & Donation Opportunities Volunteers are needed to collect, sort, pack and transport donated items during two-hour volunteer shifts. Donations are also being accepted throughout the day to help local charities in the area including: •Child Advocacy Center of Warren County: which serves over 1,000 abused children each year, needs new stuffed animals, juice boxes, individually wrapped snacks, art supplies, and paper products. •Fresh Start Kits: Donate personal hygiene items including soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, shampoo, deodorant, shaving cream, razors, etc. for local shelters. •The Homework Zone: after school program is in need of school supplies and individually wrapped snacks. •The Hospice Center of Butler/Warren County: uses over 200 coloring books a month, and is in need of coloring books and crayons. •The Humane Association: shelter is in need of Diamond Brand pet food, blankets, towels, flea shampoo, plastic cat toys, paper towels, plain Milk bones, and more. •Lebanon Food Pantry: Nonperishable food items MLK Discussion of Opportunities The community is invited to a box lunch from 12 noon – 1:30 pm at the Lebanon Junior High School. These sessions provide a chance to examine information gathered during the Community Needs Assessment completed by the Family and Children First Council of Warren County, and to get creative about ways to address some of the needs identified. Sponsored by 180 Café, 30 N. Broadway, Lebanon, OH. Continuing Dr. King’s Vision Participants engage in facilitated interactions and generate new insights for collective effort toward Dr. King’s vision; tapping into the wealth of abilities and knowledge of all peoples. Increasing Employment Sue Miller, Director of Community Services, and Sandy Smoot, Coordinator of Family and Children First, share brief updates on transportation, childcare, adult education and housing as they relate to job creation and employment opportunities. Participants in the session provide creative ideas and increase synergy for innovative solutions. Educational Excellence Dr. Seena M. Skelton of Empowering Education facilitates discussion about key indicators of educational opportunity in pre-K through grade 12. Participants discuss ways that community members can support our schools to ensure excellent education for every student. Pre-registration is required. Space is limited. Call Karen Schaeffer 513-305-8295 to register. Sponsored by: MLK Community Coalition of Lebanon, Bethel A.M.E. Church, Service for Peace, Serve Ohio, and MLKDay.gov.