Governor and Commonwealth Corps Kick-Off MLK Service Weekend

   Posted by: Cynthia Orellana
   Commonwealth Corps Coordinator

Yesterday nearly 70 people including Commonwealth Corps members from Western and Central Massachusetts, program staff, Commissioners, and volunteers from Millbury High School, South High Community School and Nativity High School in Worcester joined Governor Patrick for Commonwealth Corps’ second regional group service project of the year. Together they commemorated the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. through projects hosted by Central Massachusetts Housing Alliance (CMHA) that benefit homeless and transitioning families and individuals.

The group participated at the Donations Clearinghouse helping sort and organize donated household items and helping load furniture. As a result, over 30 families will be able to pick up essential items that will help them as they transition from shelter to permanent housing

Governor Patrick helps unload donated furniture at the Donations Clearinghouse.

Commonwealth Corps members and Worcester high school volunteers.

The Village on Cambridge Street is a shelter serving up to 45 homeless families at a given time. Corps members and volunteers refreshed the walls of a computer room where over 50 children are tutored and painted murals, sorted 18 bags of donated clothes and linens, and prepared 5,000 postcards for CHMA’s annual walk for homelessness.

MA Service Alliance staff and Commonwealth Corps members from the MLK Jr. Community Center in Springfield paint a mural at The Village on Cambridge Street.

There is still work to be done in the effort to end homelessness. Join the National MLK Day of Service movement by making a difference in your community. Please visit www.mass.gov/connectandserve to search for volunteer opportunities in your area.  As you’re also well aware, there is a huge effort underway to help those in Haiti.  For more information and how you can help, visit www.mass.gov/haiti

Comments

[Waleska Lugo-DeJesus]

It was a pleasure joining supporters of Commonwealth Corps, host agencies, Corps members, volunteers and Governor's staff during our Service Day. Having the opportunity to speak to a family that is in transition was my "highlight". It reminds me that there is no big or small way of giving back. Just a conversation with someone sharing that you understand what they are going thru is most times very helpful. It was an honor to work alongside the Governor and watch him give of himself without expecting to be recognized as our State's leader. You said it, I felt "reenergized". Waleska, Commissioner for Commonwealth Corps.

[Fred]

Happy MLK day!