Volunteers embody MLK philosophies

In the spirit of Martin Luther King Jr.'s philosophy that one's success can be judged by the quality of their service in relation to mankind, hundreds of volunteers will work together on over 40 service projects Monday, in commemoration of King's birthday. \nLee Bowlen, Bloomington community and family resources special projects program assistant, said the projects are all designed to reflect King's philosophy of service.\n"Diverse people can come together and work toward a common goal," Bowlen said. "King believed that was a strong component of character."\nIn addition to giving everyone an opportunity to contribute in a way consistent with King's philosophy, Bowlen said the projects also act as a starting point for people who wish to get involved on a more on-going basis. All projects also include a reflections component, where participants can talk about King's philosophy and how they can apply that to the rest of the year. \nThe service projects are part of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commission's "A Day On! Not a Day Off!" campaign, made possible by a $7,500 grant from the Corporation for National and Community Service, which was distributed among the participating service agencies in Bloomington to help defer some of the costs of the day. \nOne of the projects offered by the Ivy Tech State College Student Government Association is the "Adopt an Elder" program. Volunteers will help the residents of Fountainbleu Nursing Home with activities, including bingo, brushing their hair and painting their fingernails. Piano music will also be played by local musician Mark Summitt. Volunteers don't need to sign up in advance; they can stop by Fontainbleu Nursing Home, 3305 S. Highway 37, any time from 2 to 5 p.m. Monday. \nPart of the time will be devoted to a pause for reflection, when two students will read essays they've written related to the holiday and elders will talk about their memories of life during the Civil Rights Era. \n"It's important for people to volunteer to celebrate the togetherness and unity we have as a community and let people know that one person can make a difference, but as a group, we can make a bigger difference," Christie Gordan, Ivy Tech chancellor's assistant and Student Government Association advisor said. \nThe Hoosier Hills Food Bank is also offering volunteer opportunities on Monday. Volunteers will participate in the door-to-door food drive targeting student apartment complexes, get deliveries ready for social service agencies and help label bags to prepare for the spring food drive. \n"(King) talked a lot about service, and it's important to help out to stop hunger in the community," Tony McGovern, volunteer coordinator said. \nGroups and individuals can call McGovern at 334-8374 to volunteer from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday at the food bank, located at 615 N. Fairview St. In past years, between 80 and 100 volunteers have worked at the food bank on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. As of Thursday, 75 volunteers had already signed up, and McGovern said he expects more calls today and over the weekend. \nThe food bank is also trying to set up a project at Bloomington South High School, where grade school children would use cans of food to build a symbol representing peace. After being photographed, the "Can-struction" project would be disassembled and brought back to the food bank for distribution.\nVolunteers may also help by sorting baby clothes for seasonal purposes at the Crisis Pregnancy Center, 808 N. College Ave. The clothes are used for a program at the center which helps families in need of family items. \n"We always need help with volunteer projects," Pam Martindale, client services coordinator said. "It's a good way for someone to take their day off and help in the community, as well as helping to get an organization set up in order to help the community." \nVolunteers interested in working from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. or 1 to 4 p.m. should call the Crisis Pregnancy Center at 334-0104. \nBowlen used a quote from King to explain the significance of volunteering: "Everyone can be great because everyone can serve…you only need a heart full of grace, a soul generated by love, and you can be that servant." \n-- Contact staff writer Hannah Schroder at hschrode@indiana.edu.