Wall Students Collecting Goods To Help Others For MLK Day

WALL, NJ – A group of Wall Township High School students will be marking the birth of civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. with a Day of Service.

Billed as a “day on, not a day off,” the event will include clothing, food, diaper and pet supply drives to benefit area charities, according to organizers. The event is sponsored by the Wall High School Athletic Leadership Club.

The drives will be held from 9 a.m. to noon at the cafeteria at the high school, 1630 18th Ave. Participation in the event is open to all community members, parents and students. The following items are requested:

• Nonperishable food items (peanut butter, pasta, rice, canned goods, etc.)
• New or gently used clothing
• Disposable diapers and baby wipes
• Pet supplies (canned and dry food, toys, clean used towels and sheets, etc.)

Drop-off boxes also are available at the high school from now through Jan. 16, organizers said.

In 1994, Congress passed the King Holiday and Service Act, designating the Martin Luther King Jr. Federal Holiday as a national day of service. Dr. King recognized the power of service to strengthen communities and achieve common goals. Through his words and examples, Dr. King challenged individuals to take action and uplift their neighbors and communities. Wall High School students will be challenged to assist in the service opportunities offered throughout the day, organizers said.

The drive will benefit the Food Bank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties, Child Care Resources of Monmouth County, Monmouth County Red Cross, Monmouth County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, and area families through the high school’s Project Snowflake.

"This is a wonderful opportunity for Wall Township residents to give back to the community," event founder Dawn Devenny of Wall said. "At the holidays, many of us are reminded of how much we have. It’s a great time to use that abundance to provide for others."

Volunteers also are needed for the day of the event. If you or your group are interested in collecting items for the event or volunteering the day of the event, please contact Dawn Devenny at dawn912@yahoo.com for more information.

Logo via www.nationalservice.gov