Gabrille Giffords' other half asks that we all give back to our communities on such an important day as Martin Luther King, Jr Day.
"What united the victims of the tragedy on Saturday was service. They volunteered in church or at soup kitchens, worked in government, and tended to their communities.... "
-- Mark Kelly
Via AZCentral
Gabrille's office sent out the following message.
A message from Gabrielle’s Campaign Chair Michael McNulty
Dear Friend,
Thank you for taking the time to open this email in these difficult days. This Monday, January 17th, we celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., an apostle of non-violence. Gabrielle’s husband Mark has asked me to share a few of his thoughts on this upcoming day, which you can read below.
“The prayers and good wishes from the people of Southern Arizona and the country are deeply appreciated by our family. Your continued outpouring of support is powerful. As Gabby continues her recovery, I know she will be inspired and motivated by the heartfelt messages you have sent. Keep sending them.
“Many of you have asked how you can help and how you can honor the memory of those who were wounded or lost their lives. What united the victims of the tragedy on Saturday was service – they volunteered in church or at soup kitchens, worked in government, and tended to their communities. On behalf of Gabby and our family, I ask that you consider honoring their commitment to service by dedicating a few hours on Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, this Monday, January 17th, to volunteer in your community.
“There is no way to make sense of this tragedy. But as President Obama said on Wednesday night, “We may not be able to stop all evil in the world, but I know that how we treat one another is entirely up to us. I believe that for all our imperfections, we are full of decency and goodness, and that the forces that divide us are not as strong as those that unite us.”
You can find opportunities for service in Tucson here.
You can find opportunities for service in Cochise County here.
You can find opportunities for service across the nation here.
We have also updated our website with information about coping with grief as well as news about Gabrielle and all of the victims of this tragedy. Please visit it for more information.
This tragedy has affected all of us, and many families are suffering the loss or hurt of a loved one. Please keep them in your thoughts.
Sincerely,
Michael McNulty
Campaign Chair
Mark's words are more powerful than anything I could write. However, please add any links and information where people can volunteer and I will do my best to update in the body of the diary as they come in.
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Resources to find a place that can use an extra hand:
::NATIONAL::
Martin Luther King, Jr Day of Service
Feeding America they also provide info on finding local foodbanks where you can donate or volunteer.
Volunteer Match
City Year
MLK, Jr Day Events Searchable database by State
:::REGIONAL:::
Arizona
Volunteer Center of Southern Arizona
California
--San Francisco/Bay Area
MLK DAY OF SERVICE: HELP GROW YOUR NATIONAL PARK!
New York
--Buffalo
MLK Day of Service 2011: Volunteer to Build Community and Go Green!
--New York City
The New York City Coalition Against Hunger
Oregon
--Oregon City
H.O.P.E. (Helping Other People Eat)
--Portland
Oregon Food Bank
Pennsylvania
--Philadelphia
16th Annual Greater Philadelphia MLK Day of Service