They gathered in various locations in Forsyth County and were of varying demographics, but all joined in service to honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Scouts, children, teens and adults took part in the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service 2011.
Forsyth County Community Connection provided a vast supply of construction paper, markers and stickers, and volunteers produced cards and letters to military personnel stationed overseas.
Volunteer Angela Elkowitz thanked those in attendance, "For serving and honoring Dr. King," through their participation in the project and added that the cards were, "Sending a little part of Forsyth County," overseas.
She added that she appreciated the opportunity to, "Be a face for the military," and reminded folks that troops "Give up a lot." Elkowitz’s husband, Robert, is a military chaplain expected to return from a year’s deployment in eighteen days.
Members of Boy Scout Pack 800 were there, "To write to them," according to scout Sean Stepnowski, 9, and fulfill requirements for a citizenship badge, added father, Tom.
Later Monday afternoon brave volunteers gathered to participate in the event sponsored by Keep Forsyth County Beautiful (KFCB). Owen Christiansen went along with the Sewing family and shared that he, "Didn't mind getting cold, wet and dirty."
Before setting out, volunteers were briefed by KFCB Project Leader Kevin Smith who said, "The weather has given us more challenges," and asked people to "Remember why we're here," as they set about picking up trash.
The third event was a chance to interact with residents of the Chestnut Ridge Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in BINGO or scrapbooking. Members of the Rotary Club of Lanier Forsyth, as well as, members of Flood Student Community Missions helped with keeping track of numbers on BINGO cards and designing pages for the nursing home scrapbook.
Chuck Hoover, Rotary member said, "How can you not support it when your child wants to help the community," when asked his thoughts about son Casey's participation. The elder Hoover added, "Let's do the right thing and teach others to help."
Nicole McCoy encouraged folks to, "Continue the legacy of Dr. King after today," adding that with over 76 non-profits in Forsyth County there is sure to be an organization for every interest. McCoy may be contacted via email at nicolemccoy@connectforsyth.org.
