A Great Turnout for the First Annual UCFSD Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service

Over 400 students, parents, staff and community members came out Monday, January 21st for the first annual UCFSD Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service. They showed us what the spirit of volunteerism can accomplish and made this special day a huge success.

Beginning in July, Superintendent Parker shared her vision of providing an opportunity for our community and our students to come together and volunteer in the spirit of unity, purpose, and service.  Since that time, district staff have been working to establish the following 3 opportunities for students, their families, and other members of our community to come together on January 21, 2008.

If you have been visiting any of the buildings, you might have noticed the signs and posters, UCFSD MLK Day of Service. On the other hand, perhaps you noticed one of Martin Luther King Jr. quotes, “EVERYONE CAN BE GREAT, because everyone can serve.” Or, maybe you noticed the catchphrase; “Make it a day on, not a day off.”

In conjunction with the Corporation for National and Community Service, the Unionville-Chadds Ford School District community will join tens of thousands of people nation-wide in a Day of Service effort to celebrate the legacy and message of Martin Luther King. By bringing the community together, to volunteer and provide services to members of our community in need.

Participants had three ways to help; The Boxed Goods Brigade - Volunteers collected and organized donations for distribution to local recipient organizations. This event occurred at Chadds Ford Elementary, Hillendale Elementary and Unionville Elementary. The Arts and Crafts Extravaganza - Volunteers gathered to make an activity packet and a craft kit for donation to children in local hospitals. This event was held at Chadds Ford Elementary, and The Songs and Smiles Tour - Volunteers traveled by bus together to local senior facilities to sing and spread the joy of song. This event began at Unionville High School.

This project will help to bring together students, teachers, parents, and community members and is one of several being organized in states and cities all over the United States to honor the legacy of Dr. King. Congress passed the King Holiday and Service Act in 1994. The Service Act directed the King Center and the Corporation for National and Community Service to execute a day of service honoring Dr. King’s life and teachings.

Chadds Ford Elementary School

Chadds Ford Elementary also hosted the Arts and Crafts Extravaganza, in addition to being a part of the boxed goods brigade.  When asked about the Chadds Ford project, Mr. Mark Ransford, Chadds Ford Elementary Principal stated; “As a Unionville-Chadds Ford School District principal, I embrace Dr. King’s ideas of unity, purpose, and the great things that can happen when we work together toward a common goal.  This day is a marvelous opportunity for people both young and young at heart across our district to come together to make a difference.  At Chadds Ford, we will gather to make an activity packet designed by the students of UCFSD and a craft kit assembled by the students of UCFSD for donation to children in local hospitals.  I can't think of a better way for children to support children in need by volunteering their time for such a worthwhile project.” The items contributed for the Boxed Goods Brigrade to Chadds Ford Elementary will be donated to the Salvation Army of West Chester.

Hillendale Elementary School

Hillendale Elementary participated in the boxed goods brigade, which was a huge success. We asked Hillendale Elementary School Principal Mr. Steve Dissinger what he thought of the first annual MLK Day of service; “MLK Day provides all of us an opportunity to share the many blessings we have as a community with those that are less fortunate.  It also provides a wonderful opportunity for the children of UCF school district to be involved in community service and outreach and witness the benefit of their effort first hand.  The Boxed Goods Brigade will provide needed nonperishable items to many community service agencies in the Southern Chester County area.” Items contributed to Hillendale Elementary will be donated to two organizations; Home of the Sparrow of West Chester and Faith Harbor also of West Chester.

Unionville Elementary School

“The year 2008 marks the 40th anniversary of Dr. King's assassination. We fully intend that our First Annual MLK Day of Service will continue and grow so that each year, our students and families will have even greater opportunities to join collectively and celebrate Dr. King's legacy.” Stated Mr. Clif Beaver, Unionville Elementary Principal. The items that were contributed to Unionville Elementary for the Boxed Goods Brigrade will be donated to His Mission in Kennett Square.

UCFSD MLK Day of Service Web Site: cfes.ucfsd.org/mlk