Day of Service reflects King's legacy, Benedictine's commitment to giving

Benedictine University stresses the importance of community, of welcoming the stranger, of caring for each other and making a difference in the lives of the sick and the poor.

The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service at Benedictine University is an opportunity for participants to commemorate the spirit of service that was engendered by the slain civil rights leader by giving of themselves.

Volunteers can participate in a number of community service projects at the University from 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. on Monday, January 18, 2016, including:

• Donating blood to the American Red Cross.
• Making valentines for veterans.
• Writing letters to members of the armed forces.
• Making fleece blankets for Advocate Hospice and the Ronald McDonald House (please bring 2 yards of fleece material).
• Build-A-Bear for the Ronald McDonald House at Edwards Hospital.
• Creating room decorations for hospital patients.
• Organizing birthday bags for children served by local food pantries.
• Constructing bird feeders for the elderly.
• Packing a backpack with personal hygiene items (deodorant, lip balm, twin blade razors, shaving cream, hairbrush, etc.) for DuPagePads.

All are welcome to volunteer, but children under 15 must be accompanied by an adult.

For those who cannot make it to the event but would still like to contribute, the University is accepting donations of fleece, backpacks, school supplies, canned food, cake mixes, frosting, candles, birthday gift bags, new small toys and books.

Items can be dropped off daily prior to the event from 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. in the Krasa Student Center, Room 115, at 5700 College Road in Lisle, or taken after 5:00 p.m. to the Benedictine University Police office located in the lower level of the parking garage. Items can also be dropped off on the day of the event.

For more information, contact Joan Henehan at jhenehan@ben.edu or (630) 829-6617.