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For the eighth year in a row, United Way of the Greater Triangle (UWGT) will host the Triangle Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service on Monday, Jan. 21. Durham, Johnston, Orange and Wake counties will host over 30 community-service projects to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King by making the holiday “A Day On, Not a Day Off,” across the Triangle.

“For eight years, United Way of the Greater Triangle has sponsored this incredible day to honor Dr. King’s legacy. Dr. King reminds us that everyone can be great because everyone can serve. This day is designed for families, friends and coworkers to come together by working on a variety of projects throughout four of our counties to help so many in need right here in the Triangle,” explained Walter Davenport, chair of United Way’s Board of Directors and retired partner of Cherry, Bekaert & Holland LLP.

On MLK Day, each of the four counties served by United Way of the Greater Triangle will host a signature project where hundreds of volunteers will gather in centralized locations to make baby blankets and teddy bears for children living in shelters, put together hygiene kits for the homeless, make walker bags and decorated flower pots for the elderly and much more. Smaller projects at various nonprofit community sites include building fences, painting, bagging groceries, delivering meals and more. A list of all the projects can be found at http://unitedwaytriangle.galaxydigital.com/.

Individuals, families, corporate and church groups are encouraged to sign up for projects by going to www.unitedwaytriangle.galaxydigital.com/. Those who sign up online will receive a free MLK Day of Service Volunteer t-shirt when they check in at their project site.

New this year is the volunteer participation in the Presidential Inauguration Day of Service on Saturday, Jan. 19. President Barack Obama has asked Americans to participate in a national day of service for his inaugural weekend. In conjunction with the 57th Presidential Inauguration, United Way of the Greater Triangle will be hosting a project. Volunteers will be organizing supplies, loading trucks, moving materials and assisting with other logistical needs to prepare for our 8th annual MLK Day of Service two days later. To sign up for this particular project, simply register at http://action.2013pic.org/page/event/detail/nationaldayofservicecommunityresilience/4v5f7 .

2013 Triangle Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service Signature Projects

The 8th Annual Triangle Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service is Monday, Jan. 21. Over 2,000 volunteers are expected to help with over 30 service projects across Durham, Johnston, Orange and Wake Counties. United Way of the Greater Triangle has successfully coordinated the Day of Service over the past 7 years with the support of sponsors, community and civic organizations and volunteers.

DURHAM COUNTY SIGNATURE PROJECT

Levin Jewish Community Center

1937 West Cornwallis Road

Durham, NC 27705

Time: 9:00 am to 12:00 pm

Volunteers: 100

Description: Assembling birthday party and hygiene kits, making baby blankets, making teddy bears, making walker pockets, collecting and sorting food, hands-only CPR training, and programing for special needs children and adults.

JOHNSTON COUNTY SIGNATURE PROJECT

Boys and Girls Club of Johnston County

609 Pollock Street

Selma, NC 27576

Time: 9:00 am to 12:00 pm

Volunteers: 50

Description: Assembling birthday party and hygiene kits, making baby blankets, making teddy bears, painting ceramic flower pots and stuffing them with seeds, making walker pockets, collecting and sorting food, and various outdoor projects.

ORANGE COUNTY SIGNATURE PROJECT

Extraordinary Ventures Event Center

200 South Elliott Road

Chapel Hill, NC 27514

Time: 9:00 am to 12:00 pm

Volunteers: 300

Description: Assembling birthday party and hygiene kits, making baby blankets, making teddy bears, making walker pockets, collecting and sorting food, and a Red Cross blood drive.

WAKE COUNTY SIGNATURE PROJECT

Ravenscroft School

7409 Falls of Neuse Road

Raleigh, NC 27615

Time: 9:00 am to 12:00 pm

Volunteers: 300

Description: Assembling of birthday party and hygiene kits, making baby blankets, making teddy bears, making walker pockets, collecting and sorting food.

Items from our signature projects will be distributed to several of our 76 partner agencies across the Triangle.