January 7, 2004

Calhoun Community College has received a grant from the Corporation for National and Community Service to fund several service projects related to Martin Luther King Day activities on January 19, 2004.

“There is no better way to honor the memory of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. than by serving others,” said James Manning, acting CEO of the Corporation for National and Community Service.  “King once stated, ‘Everyone can be great because everyone can serve.’  Last year in his State of the Union address, President Bush called on all Americans to devote 2 years over the course of their lives to service.  There is no better time to start that effort than on the day we set aside to honor this leader.  Calhoun Community College is one of the organizations helping Americans to reach that goal.  At the same time, Calhoun is offering crucial assistance to residents of Morgan County.

Dr. Kermit Carter, assistant dean for student affairs at Calhoun, commented, “ We’re looking forward to a great celebration of Dr. King’s life this year, one that will reflect his commitment to service and bring his teachings to life.  This grant will help us serve our community by (1) Hosting a community brunch and program commemorating Dr. King’s birthday; (2) Taking a group of elementary students on a field trip to the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute; (3) Stocking a food pantry and community close closet, and (4) Hosting a “Paint the Town” event to beautify the homes of senior citizens in the community.  I hope that for many residents of Morgan County, this will be the start of a continuing commitment to service.”

The Corporation for National and Community Service provides opportunities for Americans of all ages and backgrounds to serve their communities and country through three programs: Senior Corps, AmeriCorps, and Learn and Serve America.  Working with national and community nonprofits, faith-based groups, schools, and local agencies, the Corporation engages more than two million Americans each year in meeting critical needs in education, the environment, public safety, homeland security, and other areas.  The Corporation and its programs are part of the USA Freedom Corps, a White House initiative to foster a culture of citizenship, service and responsibility, and help all Americans answer the President’s Call to Service.

For more information, please contact Dr. Kermit Carter, Student Affairs, at 256-306-2613.

Coverage of this release:

• Calhoun MLK tribute planned today, The Athens News-Courier, Wednesday, January 14, 2004 issue, p. 8A
• WHNT-TV Channel 19, Huntsville, AL, January 13, 2004, 6:00 a.m. newscast
• WHNT-TV Channel 19, Huntsville, AL, January 12, 2004, 6:00 p.m. newscast
• Calhoun kicks off MLK celebrations, The Huntsville Times, Monday, January 12, 2004 issue, p. B1
• $4,000 grant funds several of Calhoun's MLK projects, The Decatur Daily, Sunday, January 11, 2004 issue
• Calhoun receives grant for MLK events, The Athens News-Courier, Thursday, January 8, 2004 issue, p. 5A

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:

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