Volunteer Center of Burlington County, Library Co-Sponsor MLK Day Challenge

County residents of all ages, especially young people, are encouraged to participate in a Martin Luther King Day event Monday, Jan. 21, that includes greeting card making, service organizations exhibits, an opportunity to donate needed items to local organizations, and a free prize drawing.

This marks the seventh year in a row that the Volunteer Center of Burlington County has partnered with Burlington County Library to put together a program that gives individuals an opportunity to participate in a meaningful way to the memory of the slain civil rights leader.

The program will run from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the headquarters branch of Burlington County Library on Pioneer Boulevard in Westampton. Visitors can stop in at anytime, view the exhibits, donate needed items for the Twin Oaks Food Pantry – Mount Holly or the Burlington County Animal Shelter.   

And, for children 6-13 years of age, there will be a hands-on activity: the crafting and coloring of greeting cards for community care facility residents in Burlington County. 

It will all be topped off by a free prize drawing at 3 p.m. 

"Martin Luther King Day should be a 'day on,' not a 'day off,'" said Kimberly Mattson, President of the Volunteer Center. "This event gives everyone an opportunity, in some small way, to recognize Martin Luther King's own dedication to community service."        

For those interested in offering donations, the following items are needed:

• Food Collection for the Twin Oaks Food Pantry.  Seeking food donations which include peanut butter and jelly, breakfast items such as oatmeal and cereal, kid friendly snacks such as granola bars, canned meat/fish, microwaveable foods such as Easy mac or Chef Boyardee, and canned fruits and vegetables. 

• Collection for The Burlington County Animal Shelter. Needed items include Frontline, canned dog food, HE laundry detergent, dry dog food, towels, blankets, sheets dog treats, pillow cases, wash rags, dog toys (especially plastic/rubber), antibacterial hand soap/hand sanitizer, canned cat food, paper towels dry cat food, brooms, scrub bushes, cat toys (plastic), fabric softener sheets, cat litter (non-clumping), bleach and plug in room freshener. 

An information table will also be available to provide the latest news on volunteer opportunities for Burlington County residents of all ages; and to sign-up new followers of the Volunteer Center’s Facebook page.
 
"We're once again pleased to partner with the Volunteer Center to offer this opportunity to parents and children to remember and to recognize Martin Luther King, and to make a difference by being part of the big community service picture," said Ranjna Das, Burlington County Library System Director.