Richmond Residents Will Mark Anniversary of King Holiday
By Serving Others in the City’s 5th Annual “Day On”

Volunteers in Richmond, CA serve the community as part of National Day of Service

Richmond, CA – A group of local organizations led by the City of Richmond, Urban Tilth, and Friends of the Richmond Greenway will host “Make It A Day On in Richmond” on Monday, January 16, 2012. Residents and friends will honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King by working together to enhance Richmond’s public green space, cultivate urban farms and school gardens, and strengthen the community.
In this, the city’s Fifth Annual Day of Service, community residents will work together on ten project sites along the Richmond Greenway, a swath of reclaimed public land along a former railroad track. Participants may plant edible, native plants, cultivate the butterfly garden, plant trees, or work in beautiful Berryland, which boasts more than a dozen types of edible berries.
Rain or shine, the event will begin at 9 AM and conclude at 3 PM. Activities will include a Kids Zone, a Purple Collard, veggie plant start and seed Giveaway, planting of over 50 fruit trees in the New Richmond Edible Forest, garden fresh lunch for volunteers, spoken word and live performances by the East Bay Center for Performing Arts, the Richmond College Preparatory School Choir and youth from Making Waves. Participants can sign up at the Welcome Tables at Sixth Street and the Greenway, between Ohio Avenue and Chanslor Avenue, in downtown Richmond.
Held each year on the Martin Luther King, Jr. Federal holiday, Richmond’s Day of Service represents the single largest community volunteer effort in West Contra Costa County. On this day, hundreds of local residents join thousands of Americans across the country in making the holiday a day on – rather than a day off – by serving others.
“Working together to build a healthy environment, grow healthy food, and foster healthy relationships is a perfect opportunity for local residents to honor Dr. King’s commitment to public service by taking action to improve our community,” said Richmond Mayor Gayle McLaughlin.
Many organizations are using MLK Day as the springboard for service throughout the year. “By working together day in and day out to build green space and cultivate public, open-to-all urban farms and school gardens, we can sow the seeds for a better, healthier, and stronger community,” said Doria Robinson, Executive Director of Urban Tilth, a Richmond-based organization. “This annual Day of Service is a fantastic expression of the power of collective service to strengthen our community and achieve common goals.” Visit www.mlkdayrichmond.org for more information about the Richmond Day of Service.

• What: 5th Annual Martin Luther King Day of Service
• Who: City of Richmond and local community groups
• Where: Register at Sixth Street and Ohio on the Richmond Greenway
• When: Monday, January 16, 2012 9:00 am -3:00 pm

 

Also –

Point Pinole Regional Shoreline Clean-up – 9:30 AM – 1:00 PM

Engineering Services is participating in, and inviting volunteers, to the Point Pinole shoreline clean-up on Monday, January 16th from 9:30 AM to 1:00 PM.  Participants will meet at the bus stop next to the parking lot at Point Pinole Regional Park.  The Watershed Project will provide tools and gloves and will provide free refreshments as we work hard to help clean up our coastal environment.  If you have your own pair of gloves and a bucket, please bring them so that everyone can have a chance to pitch in.  Also, please bring your own reusable water bottle if you have it, wear comfortable clothing, and sturdy closed-toe shoes.  Children must be accompanied by an adult.  This event qualifies as Community Service hours.  Please see the Stormwater’s webpage under Engineering Services Department of the city’s website for more information http://www.ci.richmond.ca.us/index.aspx?nid=1735.

 

Iron Triangle 6th Street and Enterprise, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

For MLK National Day of Service, the East Bay Lions Club is sponsoring a day of service in the Iron Triangle neighborhood on 6th Street and Enterprise. The project will be targeting 6 homes for home repairs and beautification projects around the block. Materials, donations, and volunteers are needed. Please contact Michael McDowell at (510) 703-1101.