American Red Cross and AmeriCorps volunteers will canvass
Apartment complexes, in Springfield, to distribute fire prevention and safety tip materials.

"Life's most persistent question," Dr. King once asked, "is what are you doing for others?" This Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday weekend, American Red Cross and AmeriCorps volunteers are doing a lot for others in Springfield. They are distributing vital fire safety information to help residents prevent apartment fires, protect their loved ones and strengthen their community.

When: Monday January 16, 2012 from 9:00 - 1:00 with lunch provided at the Red Cross office after the event from 1:00-2:00

Where: Southern Missouri Region Disaster & Safety Services office:

1545 N. West Bypass - Springfield, MO 65803

Who: Volunteers from the American Red Cross, a humanitarian organization that helps people prepare, prevent and respond to emergencies will join AmeriCorps Volunteers and anyone looking for an opportunity to give back to the community.

What: Volunteers will canvass several apartment complexes to talk with residents and leave behind door hangers with fire safety information. The door hangers include information about smoke alarms, creating a household fire escape plan and tips for cooking and heating a home safely this winter.

Why: The Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service is a Day On, not a Day Off. It is designed as a day for Americans of all ages, backgrounds, creeds, etc to come together to make a positive impact in their communities. Through fire prevention education, we can save lives by teaching people to be safe, and not put themselves at risk of fire (and in the setting of an apartment complex, not putting their entire building at risk).

RSVP: Please RSVP via email at [email protected] or by phone 1-866-206-0256 x234

More information about this event can also be located at www.MLKDay.gov or volunteermatch.org