Volunteers Make MLK Day Celebration a Success
January 26th, 2010
In celebration of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day on January 18th, Hands On Hartford hosted events around Hartford to recognize the life and accomplishments of the civil rights leader. Approximately 150 volunteers at 4 sites engaged in service to help those in need in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. and marked the day with cleaning, painting, MLK themed Bingo games, and special holiday meals.
On Thursday, January 14th, Hands On Hartford hosted a multi-cultural education celebration for the Center For Youth after school program at Betances and Sanchez elementary schools. Children read a story about discrimination, made over 50 placements with pictures and quotes from Martin Luther King, Jr., created over 60 bags of "diversity trail mix" for Community Meals clients, and sampled culinary treats from around the world.
Saturday, January 16th, was a day for deep cleaning at our Community Meals soup kitchen, where volunteers scrubbed the kitchen and dining room from top to bottom.
Monday, January 18th, was a special day of recognition at Peter's Retreat, Hands On Hartford's congregate housing facility for people living with HIV/AIDS, where around 30 volunteers prepared and served brunch and dinner for the residents, played Bingo, and painted the interior entrance. As a result of the successful holiday home decor drive for Peter's Retreat, there are now new appliances for the kitchen and cheerful artwork to display, giving the home a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Also on Monday, volunteers served a special holiday breakfast, lunch, and dinner for clients at the Community Meals soup kitchen. There was also time for games and Bingo, with prizes for the winners, and a special showing of Remember The Titans. It was a fun and meaningful day for staff, volunteers, and guests alike.
At the Friendship Center at St. Elizabeth House, residents were also treated to a game of MLK themed Bingo.
