January 11, 2002

BOISE STATE SEEKS VOLUNTEERS FOR MLK DAY SERVICE PROJECTS

In order to support the effort to make Martin Luther King Jr./Idaho Human Rights Day a day of service, the Boise State University Volunteer Services Board is sponsoring several service projects involving two local agencies that support diversity within our community. All projects will be held on Monday, Jan. 21, in conjunction with the university’s weeklong celebration.

"These are excellent events that will support Martin Luther King and his dream of a nation unified in its diversity," said Ryan VanderLinden, Volunteer Services Board assistant director. To participate in a project, volunteers should call VanderLinden at 426-4248 or e-mail him at fvolunt@boisestate.edu.

The Agency for New Americans
9-10 a.m.— Meet in the Student Union Fireplace Lounge to receive directions to the site of the project. Volunteers will organize items in one of many storage units in which the agency stores furniture and other household items. These items are used to help refugees get on there feet and become self-supporting American citizens. 2 p.m. — Join the agency and volunteers for a potluck lunch at the LDS Institute at 1929 University Dr., across from the Boise State Administration Building. The event is not religiously affiliated. Bosnian and Afghani residents from the valley will contribute ethnic dishes from their home countries and all volunteers are asked to bring a prepared food item, either purchased or homemade. This will be an activity-filled event to celebrate the ethnic diversity in the Boise area.

The Association for Retarded Citizens (ARC)
9 a.m. — Groups of 10-15 volunteers will meet in the Student Union Fireplace Lounge and then travel to each of two resident homes operated by the ARC to help with a variety of projects. The ARC supports people with disabilities and gives them a place to live and be involved with others.

A full listing of events for the Martin Luther King Jr./Idaho Human Rights Celebration can be found at news.boisestate.edu by clicking on the celebration week banner.

Contact:
Ryan VanderLinden
Volunteer Services Board
426-4248

Media Contact:
Kathleen Mortensen
communications and marketing
426-3275