Come Monday, Jan. 15, communities all across the nation will host events and sponsor service projects to pay tribute to slain Civil Rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

And for the third year, Carolina United for Change, located right here in Vance County, is calling on fellow residents to drop off care packages that will be delivered to local homeless shelters.

Joseph Brodie and other volunteers will be outside Perry Memorial Library from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day to accept monetary donations as well as much-needed items such as cleaning supplies, hygiene items and toiletries.

“We’re trying to keep our focus on the homeless shelters,” Brodie said on Thursday’s TownTalk, “to provide them with the articles they need.”

In addition to Hope House, ARC House for Men and Lifeline Ministries, Brodie said Gang Free had recently opened up additional spaces for folks experiencing homelessness in the community.

As with any household, Brodie said the shelters can use dish soap, disinfectants and other cleaning products. And they always need toilet paper, he added.

“Last year was a huge success,” Brodie said. Numerous churches helped by pulling in with donations during the drop-off event.

The Carolina United for Change mission statement is inspired by King’s philosophy to lend a supporting hand to help the poor and needy and to protect the rights of all people.

“It all starts in the communities,” Brodie said, “to have a better place for young people to grow up in.”

Contact Brodie at 252.762.3364 to learn more.

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