DeKalb GA News

Dunwoody Parks and Recreation, in partnership with the Dunwoody-Atlanta Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc., recognizes Martin Luther King Jr. Day with a community food drive, blood drive and volunteer service projects. The “Souper Bowl of Caring” food drive began on Dec. 1 and will continue for almost five more weeks, culminating with the City’s seventh annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service on Monday, Jan. 16, 2023.

“We are excited to continue building an essential Dunwoody tradition,” said Natasha Morris, Community Service Chair for the Dunwoody-Atlanta Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. “This year, we’re adding a blood drive to the food drive and service projects that have drawn in so many volunteers over the years.”

Nonperishable food collected during the Souper Bowl of Caring will be donated to Malachi’s Storehouse and the Community Assistance Center. Collection bin locations and hours can be found on this website.

Volunteer registration links and information for Dunwoody’s MLK, Jr. Day of Service can also be found online. Volunteer projects include the following:

• Tree and daffodil planting at Brook Run Park, in coordination with Trees Atlanta and the Daffodil Project
• Planting native trees, ferns and grasses at the Dunwoody Nature Center
• Edging, weeding and rebuilding raised beds at the Brook Run Community Garden & Orchard
• Painting, cleaning, organizing at the Spruill Center for the Arts
• Blood donations through LifeSouth; the BloodMobille will be open from 9 a.m. to noon at Brook Run Park. Pre-registration is recommended using this link. Blood donations are also encouraged at the LifeSouth Dunwoody Center (4891 Ashford Dunwoody Rd) during the month of January

“We’re proud of our partnership with Jack and Jill, and we’re grateful for the volunteers who turn out every year in the spirit of giving back, inspired by Dr. King,” said Dunwoody Mayor Lynn Deutsch. “From helping the hungry to supporting our environment, the projects tied to this day of service really make a difference.”

Taking place on the third Monday in January, the National Day of Service marks the birthday of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and is the only federal holiday observed as a national day of service. In line with Dr. King’s vision, the annual event is designed to empower individuals, bridge barriers and solve problems and strengthen communities.

Original source can be found here.