Alvin M. Keeling 
By OWOF
Four Chelsea organizations are working together to offer a range of activities this year to commemorate and honor Dr Martin Luther King Jr. on his birthday, a national holiday. It is celebrated on January 17 of this year.
The First United Methodist Church will be offering a multicultural concert on January 16 at 4:30 p.m. The Chelsea District Library will present a screening of the film The butler January 17th at 5:30 p.m. with a discussion afterwards. The Human Rights Commission will have a speaker and a presentation the same week. More details on these events will come in January. One World One Family will once again sponsor a fundraiser followed by a day of service and advocacy on January 17, the MLK Jr. Day holiday. The Chelsea School District does not have classes on this day.
From January 3 to 17, please consider donating new school and art supplies to refugee families. Resettlement agencies in the area have said they can’t get enough.
Suggested articles are listed on https://owofchelsea.org/wp-content/uploads/New-Art-and-School-Supplies-for-Refugee-Children.pdf
and an Amazon wishlist can be found at this link.
Deposit locations include the Chelsea District Library, First United Methodist Church Lobby, Chelsea Senior Center, Chelsea State Bank, and the Chamber of Commerce. Financial donations are also welcome. Details are at www.owofchelsea.org.
On January 17, the MLK Jr. holiday, families and youth are invited to come together from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Chelsea Depot to work on projects to personally reach out to welcome refugee families. . Projects include friendship bracelets, hand-drawn cards, and even tie-dye socks. Young people can also bring a pair. Art kits and school supplies will be assembled and all items delivered to families through Jewish Family Services and Washtenaw Refugee Welcome. Chelsea Depot Assn is a co-sponsor of the event. It will be a fun time that will make a difference for new families in the region. Student and adult volunteers will take care of the craft tables. To volunteer, please contact owofchelsea@gmail.com. Masks will be mandatory and social distancing in place.
Photo: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial in Washington DC Credit: Doug Marrin.
