MLK, Jr. day inspires ‘virtual volunteerism’ campaign

Seattle, WA January 16, 2012 — How would you like to volunteer in a food line this MLK, Jr Day of Service without ever having to leave your home or get off of work? Now you can. This January 16, the Christian humanitarian aid organization World Vision is encouraging those who can’t volunteer in person to honor the late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. by volunteering virtually!

As many Americans today continue the tradition of honoring the memory of Dr. King by participating in hands-on service projects in their local communities, World Vision is making it possible for even more people to get involved through ‘virtual volunteerism,’ an online giving option that benefits families in the United States for those who cannot physically volunteer or serve.

“World Vision applauds all Americans who are using this day to honor Dr. King by volunteering and fighting poverty, an issue he was extremely passionate about,” said Romanita Hairston, Vice President of U.S. Programs for World Vision. “However, we’re excited that even more people can give back this year by giving online.”

This MLK, Jr. Day World Vision is encouraging Americans to volunteer virtually by purchasing ‘food kits’ or pre-packaged meals available online. Each ‘kit’ contains three to four meal packets (breakfast, lunch, dinner) or enough food to feed a family of five for one day by providing sustenance such as oatmeal, lentil soup and pasta.

"World Vision is extremely concerned about the growing number of children who aren’t getting enough food to eat on a daily basis,” said Hairston. “When children don’t eat, hunger creates a negative domino affect impacting not only a child’s health but their ability to concentrate in school and their overall well-being.”

World Vision Food Kits are $16/each and are available for purchase online at www.worldvision.org/feedthechildren. A $10 donation can also be made toward food kits by texting WV to 20222 this month. Kits purchased will be distributed within the United States to families in need, including those in impoverished communities or families impacted by disasters.

U.S. poverty statistics:

• 15.75 million American children or 1 in 5 still live in poverty
• More than 20 million American children receive free or reduced school lunches
• The U.S. poverty rate rose to 15.3% in 2010
• A record 46.2 million Americans lived in poverty in 2010, 3.3 million more than in 2009 (it was 42.9 in 2009)

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About World Vision:
World Vision is a Christian humanitarian organization dedicated to working with children, families, and their communities worldwide reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty and injustice. We serve the world's poor — regardless of religion, race, ethnicity or gender. For more information on their efforts, visit WorldVision.org/press or follow them on Twitter at @WorldVisionNews