Literacy the Focus at MLK Service Day
This MLK Holiday, UIC staff, AmeriCorps Project MORE members & community volunteers helped serve more than 150 individuals residing at seven Chicago area homeless shelters.
UIC AmeriCorps and the Center for Literacy have made it a tradition to make MLK day “A Day On”. During this time individuals remember a great man who fought for justice and had an impact on the meaning of service.
Planning for this special service day involved the collection of donated toiletry items, hats, and scarves to help those in need. At the shelters, families received donations and were engaged in literacy activities, including a book reading of I Have a Dream and a game put together by AmeriCorps to teach the history of Dr. King. Children also received a copy of Martin’s Big Words and participated in arts and crafts activities.
The day culminated in a discussion of Dr. King’s legacy and the importance of community service. Families and volunteers were able to interact and reflect on their day of service experience. As Center volunteer Victor Banjoko shared, “I was happy to be part of an event, where we were able to reach out to others in a less fortunate circumstance. It was a humbling experience that made me appreciate what my family & I take for granted."