Tuesday, December 28, 2010

HOT 92.3 FM PSA for MLK Jr. Day of Service

L.A. Works MLK Jr. Day PSA by debbie-1
Josefa Salinas recorded this spot airing on HOT 92.3 FM to promote MLK Jr Day!! Listen for it in January!!! Thanks, HOT 92.3 for your generosity and support.

Used Laptop Computer & Elementary School Book Drive (until MLK Day)

Because many computers in the Rosemont Elementary School classrooms do not work well, the teachers are unable to include technology in their curriculum. They would like to incorporate laptops in their classrooms to use for classroom instruction and student use. On MLK Jr. Day of Service, volunteer corporate IT team will assess the laptops during the event and install as many as possible in each classroom. Unused laptops will be recycled.

We are also doing a book drive for MLK Jr. Day. The books should be appropriate for elementary school aged children (used or new).  Corporate volunteers will sort, prepare and set up a “free book store” which will remain on campus after the event.

If you would like to donate your used laptop or books for elementary school-aged children, L.A. Works is accepting donation prior to January 12. We're not able to arrange for any pick-ups but you can contact us at 323-224-6510 to arrange for a good time to drop off these items to our office. We're located just north of Downtown, convenient to the 5 and 110 freeways. If you are participating in MLK Jr. Day of Service with L.A. Works, you can bring your donation then as well. THANK YOU!!!

Wednesday, December 01, 2010

December Volunteer Spotlight: Duncan McLean

Just this year Duncan McLean joined L.A. Works' volunteer movement. The intention to volunteer had been in the back of his mind for years, so when a project crossed his browser this summer, he decided to take the plunge. Searching L.A. Works' webpage was perfect for what Duncan was looking for… although he candidly admits he didn’t know exactly what that was. "But I knew I wanted to test the water." He felt confident that he could find a few hours in his weekend, and now was as good a time to get started as any. 

The first project Duncan checked out was the Ballona Wetlands Restoration. With a positive experience under his belt, he then took on Food Sorting at the LA Regional Foodbank, Adventures with Apes at the Gibbon Conservation Center, Angeles Forest Restoration, and Furry Fun at Friends of Animals Foundation. Although Duncan found it particularly appealing that there isn't a big time commitment to volunteer through L.A. Works, and that he could take each experience on a trial basis, he has returned to several of these projects and now volunteers weekly at Friends of Animals. "The dogs are just so excited to go out for a walk. It's sort of my thing now," he told us.

Duncan was so pleased to come across our organization that whenever he volunteers on a new project, he tells his friends about it on his Facebook page, “Not to say ‘Look at what a good dude I am’ but to help spread the word and maybe inspire my friends who’ve also thought about volunteering but haven’t done it yet. Just to show how easy, fun and rewarding it can be." Duncan continues to volunteer because he likes to be able to get "outside my own world" which includes producing and editing television documentaries and docu-reality series. When asked what keeps him busy when he’s not working, he shared, "I enjoy hiking, reading and watching movies." After pausing a moment, he added, "And now I can add volunteering to the list!"