Washington, D.C. — The Corporation for National and Community Service today announced more than $500,000 in grants to support a variety of service activities scheduled in connection with Martin Luther King Holiday on January 19, 2004. The grants will support nearly 100 nonprofit organizations and public agencies nationwide as part of the Corporation's annual effort to transform the holiday in honor of the slain civil rights leader into a national day of service.

"Serving our neighbors and communities is the best way to commemorate this man who devoted his life to serving others," said James Manning, acting CEO of the Corporation. "As we have since 1994, the Corporation is leading the effort to make MLK Day a day on, not a day off. With the organizational assistance provided by these grants, tens of thousands of people across the country will once again spend the holiday serving meals to the homeless, refurbishing homes, training tutors, and, most appropriately, reflecting on the life and teachings of Dr. King."

Added Manning: "Dr. King once said, 'Everybody can be great, because everybody can serve.' President Bush has asked us all to be great by serving our neighbors and our nation. The King Holiday affords the perfect opportunity to remember the legacy of a great American by being one yourself."

A list of the 96 grant recipients and a toolkit with helpful information on how to organize a King Day service project is available at www.mlkday.org. The projects include:

• Approximately 75 volunteers in Texarkana, Ark., will package and deliver hygiene baskets to 175 low-income households.
   
• Tucson-based American Red Cross Blood Services Arizona will host blood and bone marrow drives throughout the state.
   
• The Greater Philadelphia Martin Luther King Day of Service will engage more than 40,000 volunteers in service projects at over 600 sites.
   
• The Economic Opportunity Authority of Savannah, Ga., will rehabilitate homes of elderly people in a deteriorating Savannah neighborhood.
   
• Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central New Mexico will launch Crossroads, a group mentoring program featuring 10 teams of mentors.
   
• In Shaker Heights, Ohio, the Alpha Omega Chapter/Foundation will kick off a year-long volunteer campaign against violence, joining efforts with local clergy and congregations to distribute educational materials on methods of nonviolence.

The Corporation for National and Community Service provides opportunities for Americans of all ages and backgrounds to serve their communities and country through three programs: Senior Corps, AmeriCorps, and Learn and Serve America. Working with national and community nonprofits, faith-based groups, schools, and local agencies, the Corporation engages Americans in meeting critical needs in education, the environment, public safety, homeland security, and other areas. The Corporation and its programs are a key part of USA Freedom Corps, a White House initiative to foster a culture of citizenship, service and responsibility, and to help all Americans answer the President's Call to Service.