MLK DAY

In honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day and his commitment to service FIRSTLINK hosted a number of different projects in honor of his legacy. Below is a brief description of the different projects:

1. On January 15th the FIRSTLINK disaster preparedness department gave a presentation on Martin Luther King and his committment to strengthening communities by preparing yourself and your community in the event of a disaster. Focus was on receiving the H1N1 vaccine. The presentation was to the Franklin County Foster Grandparent Program. After the presentation the program members put together 300+ informational kits including several brochures, hand sanitizer and thermometers. These kits will go to the Foster Grandparent sites (in schools) where the program members will educate the children. (Special thanks to FIRSTLINK's community engagement team for assisting in the project)

2. On January 16th the FIRSTLINK disaster preparedness department, in conjunction with the community engagement team hosted a Family Safety and Service Project. The 2 hour project included a presentation by Lt. David Sawyer from the Columbus Fire Department about fire saefty and a craft project in which the families made thank you cards for the Columbus Fire Department. The project had approx. 50 participants. Special thanks to Lt. Sawyer for his participation.

**The Family Safety and Service Project is a monthly project that focuses on a different element of disaster preparedness and safety every month- for more information or to sign up please contact tmotts@firstlink.org

3. On January 18th FIRSTLINK, partnering with CityYear hosted an MLK DAY DAY CAMP for youth ages 7-14. The camp was an all day event with a number of different activities. Some of those activities included; a nutrition lesson by Children's Hunger Alliance, a presentation on college by "I Know I Can," an arts project making Peace Bracelets, a presentation on what a disaster is by the FIRSTLINK disaster preparedness department, a disaster simulation and lastly the children put together over 600 informational kits to be canvased in low income neighborhoods by City Year.

Overall the activities were a success and FIRSTLINK was happy to be able to provide the community with Education and Outreach in the name of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s teachings.