#MLKDay is almost here!

Every year AmeriCorps Alums joins people from throughout Connecticut in honoring Martin Luther King Jr's legacy by making MLK Day a day "on," not a day off! We've highlighted just a few of the events taking place across the state -visit http://bit.ly/MLKdayCT2015_EventList for even more! Make sure to tag us on Facebook and on Twitter @AC_AlumsCT so we can share!

Bridgeport - University of Bridgeport Day of Service
Contact: VISTA-alum Jennifer Turner, jenniftu@bridgeport.edu
January 19th, 9:00 AM - 2:30 PM

Join over 300 students and community members to reflect and serve at organizations throughout Bridgeport, Connecticut. Lunch and t-shirt provided. Registration is strongly recommended at https://ubmlkday2015.eventbrite.com/

Hartford - KNOX, Inc and Green Crew AmeriCorps

Contact: AmeriCorps-alum Ericus Adams, ericusa@knoxparks.org

January 19th, 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Serve with Green Crew AmeriCorps members and local community gardeners to plant, harvest, and distribute greens to non-profits who serve those in need.

New Haven - Volunteer with Public Allies Connecticut

Contact: PACT-alum Emily Gallagher, emilyg@publicallies.org

January 19th, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Serve alongside current Public Allies and alums at various sites throughout New Haven, including IRIS and Christian Community Action Agency. Contact Emily for more details.

Waterbury - New Opportunities, Inc and ACTS 4

Contact: Joan Neumann, jneumann@newoppinc.org

January 19th, 10:30 AM - 1:00 PM

New Opportunities, Inc. and ACTS 4 will be hosting their annual free clothing distribution drive at the New Opportunities Auditorium in Waterbury (232 N. Elm St).

4th-Annual Crazy Sweater Party Wrap-up

On Friday, January 9th we were excited to be joined by friends both new and old at our fourth-annual Crazy Sweater Party! Together we raised $133 and received in-kind donations to help the newly-immigrated refugees served by IRIS get through the cold months.

Guests at the 2015 Crazy Sweater Party assemble
 at the Cask Republic in New Haven, CT

• Winter coats for both kids and adults
• Warm winter hats
• Socks and scarves
• Household toiletries 

Based in New Haven, IRIS serves over 200 refugees and displaced people every year. Current clients come from several countries including Iraq, Eritrea, Democratic Republic of Congo, Afghanistan, Cuba and Sudan and range in age from a few months to over 80 years. In addition to helping recently immigrated people find housing and meet their basic needs, IRIS also provides job placement, ESOL classes, and early childhood care for their clients. 

IRIS has posted a list of their greatest volunteer needs here, or visit their website at www.irisct.org for more information about the people they serve and how you can help! On February 1st they hold their annual major fundraiser, Run for Refugees - visit their page for more details!