As the country prepares to inaugurate its first African American President, volunteers from the American Red Cross of Central Maryland, HOPE worldwide Baltimore, churches, schools and businesses will celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. by distributing vital fire safety information throughout Baltimore City and collecting nonperishable food for the Bea Gaddy Family Center. Martin Luther King, Jr. recognized the power of service to strengthen communities and achieve common goals. This partnership will help Baltimore City residents prevent home fires, protect their loved ones, strengthen their community and provide food for the hungry. A city-wide MLK “I Have a Dream” contest is being held for BCPS students.

Who:

Over 500 volunteers from the American Red Cross, a humanitarian organization that helps people prepare, prevent and respond to emergencies; HOPE worldwide Baltimore, a faith-based volunteer organization; churches, schools and businesses. The Baltimore City Fire Department, Mayor’s Office of Cleaner Greener Baltimore and the Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood is providing logistical support and supplies.

What:

Volunteers will canvass door-to-door throughout Baltimore City neighborhood (zip codes 21217, 21218 and 21224), talk with residents and leave behind door hangers with fire safety information. The door hangers include information about smoke alarms, creating a household fire escape plan, and tips for cooking and heating a home safely this winter. All volunteers are encouraged to bring non-perishable food for the Bea Gaddy Family Center. After canvassing, volunteers will march and distribute fire safety tips in the Baltimore MLK Day Parade.

When:

January 19, 2009
Start Time for Canvassing begins at 8:30 AM
Parade Begins at 12 PM

Where:

Volunteers will report to designated Neighborhood Centers and Fire Stations in zip codes 21217 (United United Methodist Church – 1433 Edmondson Ave.,21223), 21218 (Engine 33 Fire Station – 801 E. 25th St.), and 21224 (Patterson Park Rec. Center – 2602 E. Baltimore St.) Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade begins at 12 PM at MLK Jr. Blvd. and Eutaw St.

Why:

Planning and timing are critical! A residential home can be totally consumed in flames in less than five minutes from the start of a fire! The only thing standing between the deadly fumes of fire and a safe escape maybe your escape plan and the piercing sound of a smoke alarm. When the weather gets colder, the potential for home fires increases. According to a recent survey conducted by the American Red Cross and National Fire Protection Association, this year the potential for home fires may increase as people, concerned about the cost of heating their homes, plan to use an alternative source of heat- like a space heater or stove- to lower their bills this winter. According the Maryland Food Bank, each week, over 500,000 different people rely on free food from soup kitchens, food pantries, shelters, and other feeding programs to avoid going hungry.

RSVP:

We need your help! Please RSVP by calling Rashaad Emory at 410-814-1703, mlkdaybaltimore@gmail.com or rashaad_emory@hopeww.org. Volunteer registration and more information on the MLK “I Have a Dream” contest are available by calling or emailing Rashaad Emory.

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