Media Release

ALACHUA COUNTY, FL - On January 10, 2013, the Alachua County Foster Grandparent Program (FGP) will participate in the National Martin Luther King (MLK) Day of Service. Approximately 100 Foster Grandparent volunteers, all age 55 and over, will work in teams to make “life packs” (baskets of food and daily essential living items donated earlier by the Grandparents and staff from the Alachua County Department of Community Support Services) for distribution to VETSPACE, Inc. and our local veterans. Their goal is to make 20 baskets.  Media is invited to cover the event, which will take place at the Senior Recreation Center (5701 NW 34th St., Gainesville), from 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

This is the third year that FGP will participate in a MLK Day of Service project, a nationwide volunteer initiative sponsored by the Corporation for National and Community Service. In previous years the volunteers have crafted no-sew fleece blankets for distribution to the area’s homeless.

According to the national organizers, “This milestone is a perfect opportunity for Americans to honor Dr. King’s legacy through service. The MLK Day of Service empowers individuals, strengthens communities, bridges barriers, creates solutions to social problems, and moves us closer to Dr. King’s vision of a beloved community.”

Alachua County FGP Coordinator, Gene Tysowsky said,  "This initiative is not only intended to recognize the sacrifice made by those men and women who served in our nation’s armed forces, but to also honor Dr. King’s legacy regarding the importance of selfless actions taken by concerned community members to help others."

For more information, contact Gene Tysowsky at 352-264-6757.