AARP Highlights Service on Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service at Frontiers International MLK Breakfast
SPRINGFIELD, Ill., Jan. 18 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- While the nation celebrates Dr. Martin Luther King's birthday, AARP honors his legacy by shining the light on service through Create The Good – a national initiative that aims to connect individuals with volunteer opportunities in their local communities.
"AARP is proud to honor Dr. King's legacy through our Dr. King Day of Service," said Merri Dee, AARP Illinois State President. "There is a new spirit of service sweeping our country. AARP is a part of that spirit and our members are looking to make a difference in their communities today and throughout the year."
AARP launched Create The Good to help all Americans make a difference in their own communities, in their own time, and on their own terms. With a lifetime of skills, experience and wisdom, older Americans have much to contribute in the arena of service. Today, Create The Good sponsored the Frontiers International 35th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Breakfast in Springfield. AARP looks forward to utilizing Create The Good to help build stronger communities throughout Illinois.
More than 9 million people engage in AARP's work as volunteers, donors, and activists. Our volunteer programs provide more than $187 million in economic impact. Last year, over 32,000 volunteers with the AARP Foundation Tax-Aide program helped nearly 3 million people across the country file their taxes.
"As our nation faces growing challenges, people of all ages are coming together to improve our communities," added Dee. "Our communities need us now and AARP stands ready to answer the call to service."
Founded with the motto, "To serve, not to be served," AARP aims to make service a part of everyday life. A 2008 AARP study found that 4 in ten older adults plan to increase the amount of time they spend volunteering in the next five years. For more information about Create The Good or to find volunteer opportunities in your local community, visit www.createthegood.org.
SOURCE AARP Illinois
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