Governor Quinn Urges Illinoisans to Participate in Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service

CHICAGO – Governor Pat Quinn today joined the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) and the Serve Illinois Commission in encouraging Illinoisans to take part in the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service on Monday, January 21.  This year’s theme is “A Day On, Not a Day Off.”

“Dr. King’s life was dedicated to service, and in his memory we should each strive to give back to our communities,” said IDHS Secretary Michelle R.B. Saddler.  “We all have something to contribute and share to make Illinois an even better place.”

Persons interested in giving back to their community can visit www.serve.illinois.gov to be connected with more than 100,000 volunteer opportunities throughout Illinois and in bordering states.  Website visitors can search based on location or area of interest, and even generate results for ongoing, one-time or web-based volunteer opportunities.

“Volunteerism is a great way to honor Dr. King, his legacy and his vision,” said Serve Illinois Executive Director Brandon Bodor.  “I am proud and grateful for our community volunteers.”

Along with listing thousands of volunteer opportunities, Serve Illinois also has several partner organizations that will be completing service projects, which include:

• Carbondale, Land of Lincoln AmeriCorps, January 21, 10 am-2 pm – AmeriCorps members will prepare and serve lunch to area veterans and veterans who are students on the Southern Illinois University campus.  The lunch is a way of saying thank you to veterans for all they have done and continue to do by their service to the country.

• Chicago, City Year Chicago, January 21, 8:30 am-3 pm – AmeriCorps members from several programs (City Year, Teach for America, Illinois JusticeCorps, and Asian Human Services) will be working to beautify Jean De Lafayette Elementary School.

• Metro East, Belleville AmeriCorps, January 20, 5-7 pm – Belleville AmeriCorps is hosting an “America’s Sunday Supper” in observance of the MLK National Day of Service.  Community leaders will exchange meaningful reflection and dialogue on important issues affecting the community.

• Quad Cities, American Red Cross, Safe Families Illinois, January 21, 9 am-4 pm – AmeriCorps members will begin the day at Casa de los Ninos preschool. Then members will move to Casa Guanajuato, where the Shorinji Kempo Studio is located, to help paint and remodel.

• Springfield, Illinois Public Health Association, January 21, 1-4 pm – Members will assist the Midwest Mission Distribution Center in serving those who need assistance.

Visit www.Serve.Illinois.gov to find a volunteer opportunity, as well as a full listing of partner service projects.  Serve.Illinois.gov is a project of IDHS and the Serve Illinois Commission. The Serve Illinois Commission is a 40-member, bi-partisan board appointed by the Governor and administered by the IDHS.  Its mission is to improve Illinois communities by enhancing traditional volunteer activities and supporting national service programs, including the Illinois AmeriCorps program.