“The time is always right to do what is right.” ~Martin Luther King, Jr.

Middlebury College MLK Day of Service: January 21st
Middlebury College faculty, staff, and students are invited to participate in community service projects to honor the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. Transportation will be provided for anyone needing it to volunteer at off-campus project sites. You will be emailed with a confirmation and details of your volunteer service site. To sign up to volunteer email Ashley Calkins, jcalkins@middlebury.edu, 802.443.3099. Please list your site preference in the email!
Sites:

• HOPE: Helping Overcome Poverty’s Effects (HOPE) needs your help in preparing for the rest of the winter. Volunteers will depart from campus at 10:00 a.m. and return by 1:00 p.m.
• Helen Porter Healthcare and Rehabilitation: Singers and performers are needed from 1:30 – 2:30 p.m. to perform for residents.
• Mothers Without Borders session sponsored by the Volunteer Services Organization (VSO): Join VSO in Ross B11 any time between 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. to make some Brandy Blankets for Porter Hospital and the VT Children’s Hospital. No sewing experience is necessary. Your wonderful blankets will be provided to babies and children in Pediatric Units in the Northeast. If you have any questions please email Daniela Barajas at vso@middlebury.edu.
• Project Independence session sponsored by VSO: Volunteers will travel to Project Independence to participate in read-alouds and games with elderly participants. Volunteers will depart from campus at 8:45 a.m. and be back by 2:15 p.m.
• Additional student organizations including Xiao Pengyou and Friends of John Graham Shelter are also planning MLK Day of Service activities

January is National Mentoring Month!
Get involved by joining Middlebury College DREAM. The DREAM Program is a non-profit mentoring organization that builds communities of families and college students that empower children from disadvantaged circumstances to recognize their options, make informed decisions, and achieve their dreams! DREAM is looking for mentors for their Friday events, which range from arts and crafts to sports and games! Spend a couple of hours on a Friday afternoon this J-Term with DREAM…and have fun while making a difference! For more information, contact Ali Siegel ’12 at absiegel@middlebury.edu.

Mentors Needed
Two Bristol teens are looking for college students to spend time with. One is a 7th grade girl who enjoys rollerblading and swimming and would benefit from having an energetic female mentor. The other, an 8th grade boy, seeks an equally active and energetic male mentor with whom to explore the outdoors, bowl, bike, and play pool. Both live immediately outside of downtown Bristol, and would love college role models! For more information, please contact Emma Lennon, Mentoring and Youth Programs Coordinator, at elennon@middlebury.edu.

1/23 College Defensive Driving Class [Required to drive campus vehicles!]
This program is required for anyone who wishes to rent a College passenger or 15-passenger vehicle. If you might want to use a campus vehicle for volunteering this semester, plan to take this defensive driving class! There is no cost for the class but a driving orientation (a 1 hour review on the road) is required for 15-passenger Vans and larger vehicles. Class time is about 2 Hrs. REMINDER: A valid state license is required to take the class. Individuals wanting a 15-Passenger Van license must have 3 years of driving experience. Questions? Email Ed Sullivan, Sullivan@middlebury.edu. Upcoming class: January 23 4:30 pm Axinn 220.

Performing Opportunity: Wednesday, Jan. 25
Leicester Central School’s Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration: People are needed to support the celebration by leading activities and/or performances either for Pre-K through 2nd graders or 3rd – 6th graders on the theme of MLK and social justice . The options are endless! Get creative: poetry reading or musical performers welcome. To sign-up or for more information email Ashley Calkins, jcalkins@middlebury.edu.

Swimming Partner Needed
A community member is seeking a swimming partner and college student friend. This individual is an enthusiastic young woman with a cognitive delay as a result of chronic heart problems. Interested? Email Emma Lennon, Mentoring and Youth Programs Coordinator, elennon@middlebury.edu.

Questions? If you have questions about any of these volunteer opportunities or want to learn more ways to get involved in the local community, contact Ashley Calkins, Community Engagement Coordinator, jcalkins@middlebury.edu, 802.443.3099