WINNEMUCCA - The Northern Nevada Chapter of the American Red Cross, in collaboration with AmeriCorps, is offering Winnemucca residents a chance to learn about local nonprofit organizations and be involved in a fire safety and prevention program on Monday, Jan. 16.
Martin Luther King Day is a national holiday that most people see as an extension of their weekend, but the Martin Luther King Jr. Federal Holiday is a National Day of Service, and a great time to re-commit ourselves to serving each other and our communities.
In 1994, Congress designated Martin Luther King, Jr. Day as a national day of volunteer service. Instead of a day off from work or school, Congress asked all Americans to celebrate Dr. King's legacy by turning community concerns into citizen action. This day helps to bring together people of different backgrounds and leads to better understanding, which fosters ongoing relationships between individuals and within communities.
On MLK Day, Americans across the country will pay tribute to Dr. King by helping their neighbors and communities. Service is a powerful way for everyone to work together to meet needs and advance King's dream of opportunity for all. This year in Winnemucca, local AmeriCorps members have planned a Non Profit Community Services Fair. This fair is an excellent way to highlight and showcase the services offered by local nonprofit organizations as well as help to connect community members with local groups who provide essential services in the community.
All attendants will be able to ask questions, sign up for volunteer opportunities and learn how they can help support organizations that are vital to the community. Several organizations will be in attendance, available to answer questions and provide information. The fair will take place at the 4H meeting room, located at 1085 Fairgrounds Road. Following the fair, there will be an opportunity to participate in a community service event.
Volunteers will canvass neighborhoods within the Winnemucca area with the goal of reaching 200 Winnemucca residents to discuss home fire and wildfire safety and prevention. A complimentary welcome lunch for fire prevention canvassers at begins at noon in the 4H building located at 1085 Fairgrounds Road. Canvassers will be out in the community reaching out to residents from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
This four-year preparedness program is part of a national American Red Cross and HOPE worldwide effort to educate citizens about fire safety and prevention. The program is now running in more than 60 cities across the country, including the northern Nevada cities of Elko, Winnemucca and Reno, with a goal of reaching 1,200 residents in northern Nevada. In all locations volunteers will go door-to-door to educate households in vulnerable neighborhoods in order to help reduce the level of fire incidences. The goal of the program is to reach 381,000 households nationally.
Home fires are the most common disaster that the Red Cross responds to - the Northern Nevada Chapter of the American Red Cross responds to a home fire every 48 hours in northern Nevada and has responded to four major wildfires in northern Nevada in the past six months. During the November 2011 Caughlin Ranch fire Reno residents had little warning before having to evacuate from their homes in the middle of the night. Further, the Caughlin fire demonstrated how important it is for residents to recognize the threat wildfires pose to their families and residences and to take steps to prepare themselves. Following the three basic steps - Get a Kit, Make a Plan, Be Informed - will help residents prepare for evacuation. Additional lifesaving fire safety and prevention information is also available on the American Red Cross public website, www.redcross.org.
You can volunteer for this event by calling the American Red Cross office at (775) 625-1155. For more information you can also contact Merre Bacot at the Nevada Outdoor School at (775) 623-5656. By contributing a few hours on MLK day, you will have the opportunity to meet new people, reconnect with others and get involved in your community. Help your neighborhoods and tell them you care about their safety and welfare. The American Red Cross and its partners want everyone in the country to be safe. Please join us and let us know how you want to help. This year, make it a day on, not a day off.
Please call (775) 625-1155 or stop by the Winnemucca office located at 612 Melarkey St.
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