City's MLK Commission Seeks Volunteer Service Project Proposals

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 25, 2007

For More Information:
Craig Brenner, Special Projects Coordinator, Community & Family Resources, City of Bloomington, 349-3471
Bet Savich, Volunteer Network Director, Community & Family Resources, City of Bloomington, 349-3472
Maria K. Heslin, Communications Director, City of Bloomington, 349-3569



Bloomington, IN -- Mayor Mark Kruzan anounced today that the City of Bloomington’s Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday Celebration Commission and the Volunteer Network invite community organizations to participate in “A Day On! Not A Day Off” on the federal Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday, Monday, Jan. 21, 2008.

“Community service is a key component of Bloomington’s character,” Kruzan said. “The giving nature of helping others through volunteerism truly honors the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.”

Individuals in Bloomington and across the country will celebrate the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday by coming together in service to others. It is in this spirit that the King Commission and Volunteer Network are encouraging local organizations to offer opportunities for volunteer service. Groups are asked to plan meaningful service projects and other community initiatives for volunteers. Service projects may be a few hours or multiple days.

The Commission recently received notification that it will receive funding from both the Community Foundation of Bloomington and Monroe County, Inc., and the Points of Light Foundation. This funding will be available to help pay for project supplies.

Dr. Ken Miller, Chair of the Community Foundation Grants Committee, said the foundation members are pleased to support the effort.

"The Community Foundation Grants Committee felt very strongly in favor of awarding funding to the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission for 'A Day On! Not A Day Off' because this brings different age groups and diverse people from the community together in the spirit of volunteerism," Miller said.

Groups planning service projects should submit proposal forms so that the King Commission and Volunteer Network are made aware of funding and volunteer needs. The deadline for submitting proposals for funding is December 7, 2007. The proposal form is available online at www.bloomington.in.gov/cfrd. The King Commission will determine which projects will receive funding at its December meeting, and it will publicize volunteer needs beginning in January.

If you have any questions, please contact Craig Brenner, Special Projects Coordinator, Community & Family Resources, at 349-3471 or brennerc@bloomington.in.gov or Bet Savich, Volunteer Network Director, Community & Family Resources, at 349-3472 or savichb@bloomington.in.gov.


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