Volunteers and Partner Organizations Serve in 100 Locations Nationwide
Wayne, PA – In response to President Barack Obama’s call to service and in memory of Martin Luther King Jr., more than 10,000 HOPE worldwide volunteers of all ages and backgrounds served thousands to mark the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday with a day of community service. They were active in 100 different locations in 32 cities across the nation ranging from Los Angeles to Boston.

HOPE worldwide worked with nearly 100 partners, including:

• the American Red Cross
• the International Churches of Christ
• Shell Oil Company, Motiva Enterprises
• the Corporation for National and Community Service
• Volunteer Centers National Network

Volunteers engaged in a wide range of projects geared to the needs of their local communities. Partnering with the American Red Cross, HOPE worldwide volunteers reached more than 130,000 homes in 25 U.S. cities with vital information to prevent home fires, America’s most common disaster threat.

In Philadelphia, HOPE worldwide was identified as a signature host event site in which more than 500 volunteers served at three locations. HOPE worldwide Philadelphia partnered with Youth Build, One Day At A Time, the City of Philadelphia, the Greater Philadelphia Church of Christ and many other organizations. Throughout Philadelphia volunteers were able to:

• build a community playground and community garden in North Philadelphia
• give fitness and nutrition instruction to families at Temple University
• provide mentoring activities for youth at Duckrey Elementary

As a volunteer-based and faith-based organization, HOPE worldwide is very dependent on its volunteers for creating impact in local neighborhoods and communities. HOPE worldwide President and Chief Executive Officer Randy Jordan said, "Faithful volunteers from the International Churches of Christ make an enormous contribution each year to the success of our volunteer programs and this year is no exception."

In Houston, HOPE worldwide Texas partnered with Shell Oil and Motiva Enterprises.
Volunteers spent hours:

• sorting food that will feed 80,000 people this year
• planting trees
• distributing 2,700 turkeys to needy families
• participating in activities for children and youth at Ripley House Neighborhood Community Center

Corporation for National & Community Service grants through the Points of Light Foundation/Hands on Network provided funding to support MLK Day events. HOPE worldwide AmeriCorps members sponsored by the Corporation for National & Community Service also assisted in coordinating volunteers and service activities.

National, state and local officials and celebrities participated at various sites. Participants included:

• Corporation for National & Community Service Board Member Jim Palmer
• Former NFL Seattle Seahawk Mack Strong
• leaders from Shell Oil

Radio, television, and newspaper media coverage far exceeded previous MLK Day year events.

HOPE worldwide is working to keep alive the spirit of Dr. King, who once said, “Everybody can be great because everybody can serve.” According to the Corporation for National & Community Service, a record number of volunteers and service projects totaling more than 12,100 took place on Martin Luther King Jr. Day nationwide in an effort to truly make a difference in the lives of many and to improve the quality of life in many American communities.

Visit us at www.hopeww.org to learn more about all of HOPE worldwide's programs and see how you can be a part of global change to bring hope to some of the world's most needy.

To read more articles from HOPE worldwide on Disciples Today:

	Record Turnout Expected on MLK Day Click here
	Boston Church Makes an Impact on MLK Day Click here
	LA Church a Pacesetter for MLK Day of Service Click here