This is the fifth year that Hands on Forsyth has participated in the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service, according to Volunteer Coordinator Kerry Rosewall. The organization has partnered with local non-profits to, "Present projects for people to participate in, ” Rosewall said.
There will be three opportunities for service on Monday, Jan. 17, and interested folks are encouraged to sign-up at the Hands On ForsythWeb site and click on “Volunteer Opportunities” and the “Project Calendar."
"Military Card Writing" is an opportunity where individuals, as well as, families can construct, design, and inscribe cards for military personnel. Rosewall said, “Kids draw and color pictures and adults write letters and create more elaborate cards.”
Although supplies will be available, a $5 donation is suggested to replenish inventory. Families are also welcome to bring their own construction paper, stickers, markers and other materials. The event will take place at the Family Center on Samaritan Drive in Cumming and will run from 10 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
“We have a great partnership with Cumming First United Methodist Church” whose “strong military support” sends monthly care packages oversees stated Rosewall. The church group will include the cards from the MLK Day of Service 2011.
For those who prefer to volunteer outdoors and a later start time, Keep Forsyth County Beautiful will be hosting a project to clean both the lake area and local roads from 1 p.m. - 4 p.m. This is another opportunity for families to work together as long as the children are 8-years-old. “It’s great for groups, too,” stated Rosewall.
Individuals will meet at the office of Keep Forsyth County Beautiful (Juvenile Justice Center, Lanier 400 Parkway) where they will be given supplies and assigned an area to clean up. “Folks are encouraged to dress appropriately for the weather. "Layers are good,” said Rosewall. "Wear things you don’t mind getting dirty such as old clothes and shoes.”
According to Project Leader Kevin Smith, numbers are lower than last year. “The weather has really shaped things,” Smith said. He attributes the shortage to this week's five snow days. School clubs often participate and club leaders may not be able to contact students. Additionally, club leaders in Forsyth County will have to report to school and may not be able to supervise students.
Students who are 16 and older may be dropped off, provided they have a waiver signed by a parent or guardian. The waiver is available at the Hands of Forsyth Web site. “I’ll be here anyway,” he said, adding that he has supplies and assignments ready.
The third opportunity that “always fills up quickly,” according to Rosewall, is the Game/Scrap Day at Chestnut Ridge Nursing Home. In its fifth year, the day has incorporated scrapbooking to the event, as the residents have become enthusiasts in the hobby. As of Friday (Jan. 14), the limited number of spaces have been filled.
Anyone interested in participating in the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service 2011 is encouraged to visit the Hands on Forsyth Web site to volunteer.
(This article was copied from Cumming Patch. Author Denise Ray)
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