MLK day of service set Saturday at Gobin

Martin Luther King Jr.

The Hartman Center for Civic Engagement and the Center for Diversity and Inclusion are inviting the community to participate and engage during this year’s celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s life, legacy and passion for service.

Due to the frigid temperatures in January, the MLK committee collectively decided to postpone its day of service to Saturday, Feb. 17 from noon-4 p.m. at Gobin Memorial United Methodist Church, a location where, in fact, King spoke at on Sept. 5, 1960.

The event will begin with a brief overview and lunch. Volunteers will then serve at designated sites and end in a thoughtful reflection. Sign-ups are not required, but anyone who would like to be counted for lunch should register at http://tinyurl.com/b7emc6yb.

This day of service will be focused on food insecurity, those experiencing homelessness, voting initiatives and more. They will include:

Beyond Homeless Incorporated’s mission is to respond to the needs of its neighbors in the Putnam County region who are experiencing homelessness or who are at risk of becoming homeless because of extreme poverty.

Habitat for Humanity is a nonprofit organization that helps families build and improve places to call home. They believe affordable housing plays a critical role in strong and stable communities.

Little Free Pantries: Anyone can donate to, or take from, a Little Free Pantry or Blessing Box. Boxes are being placed throughout Putnam County. Non-perishable food, toiletries and school supplies are always needed.

TurboVote is an American non-profit website that seeks to increase voter turnout by helping its users register to vote, find polling places and research election issues.

Since some of these service opportunities highlight food insecurity within Putnam County, organizers ask that anyone who is able to bring a non-perishable food item with them. These items will be distributed back to local food pantries and little free pantries around town.

Volunteers are asked not to bring open or used items, expired, rusty or unlabeled items and non-factory-sealed foods.

For questions, comments or concerns, persons may email Anna Sherrill at annasherrill@depauw.edu.