Citizens Options Unlimited Volunteers Carry on Dr. King’s Legacy, Partner with Glen Cove Community
Fresh snow on the ground and low temperatures did not stop Citizens Options Unlimited volunteers, staff, and members of the Glen Cove community from coming together for the 41st Annual Commemorative Program in Honor of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., which featured a powerful speech from self -advocate and Camp Loyaltown camper, Michelle Rudoff.
As a motorcade of community members traveled from the nearby First Baptist Church Glen Cove, volunteers from Citizens Options Unlimited joined with Glen Cove residents to collect non-perishable food in front of Robert Finley Middle School. All the food, including 750 pounds gathered at Citizens’ offices and various locations throughout Nassau County was donated to the local food pantry NOSH Delivers!
Among the volunteers was AHRC employee and Camp Loyaltown camper, Peter Hadfield.
“We’ll give all the food that the Hub sites collected and dropped off to NOSH,” Peter said, adding that he enjoys volunteering.
Dr. King’s Legacy
Citizens’ participation in the Glen Cove volunteer effort was part of a grant AHRC Nassau received from The Arc of the United States. This initiative aims to build community-based partnerships to support inclusive volunteer initiatives inspired by Dr. King’s dedication to community action. This is one of many events Citizens hope to join in supporting this year.
“The MLK grant is designed to promote inclusive volunteering, bringing people together based on a shared interest in helping others in their community,” Jerri Walker, Citizens volunteer coordinator who organizes the annual activities. “Fighting food insecurity is a cause many people at Citizens Options Unlimited want to support.”
“It’s been a wonderful working collaboration,” said the MLK Jr. Commemorative Commission Director Sheryl Goodine of the partnership. “We look forward to it continually. It’s a win-win for everyone. The more people understand how much we are alike than different and celebrate our similarities and differences, the better off we’ll be in this world.”
An Inspiring Address
During the program, Michelle’s speech in the auditorium embodied the themes of inclusivity and togetherness, central messages of the annual event. Her poignant remarks focused on the importance of acceptance and advocacy, especially how Dr. King’s legacy can be carried forward through simple acts of kindness.
“Remember, a simple hello or smile can brighten someone’s day,” Michelle said.
The MLK Jr. Commemorative Commission is the oldest, continuously running commemorative celebration in the United States dedicated to Dr. King. According to Sheryl, the commission began directly after the assassination of Dr. King as a committee of clergymen, Glen Cove politicians, and concerned residents, including Sheryl’s father, James Davis, who was then the president of the Glen Cove branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).
The annual commission has evolved over the years. Before Martin Luther King Jr. Day became a federal holiday, the event was hosted over the weekend at churches and synagogues in Glen Cove. Forty-one years ago, the committee joined with the City of Glen Cove and the Glen Cove City School, formalizing the annual community program that residents, students, volunteers, and officials know today.