Events planned for MLK Day

A humanitarian benefit at the Salvation Army on Jan. 21, the day Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday is observed, was designed to match charitable agencies with volunteers and donors who would like to help, organizers say.

From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., the agencies will have informational tables set up to receive visitors. The organizations include: the American Red Cross Southeast Missouri Chapter, the Area Wide United Way, the Community Caring Council, the Boys and Girls Club, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Project HOPE, the Family Resource Center, the Salvation Army, Southeast Missouri Area Agency on Aging and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship Fund representatives.

A free lunch will be served. The Salvation Army is at 701 Good Hope.

Organizer Debra Mitchell-Braxton said the event is in line with King's ideals.

"He lived to eradicate injustices in housing, employment and society in general," she said. "We should reflect upon that, remember it and do what we can to keep Dr. King's dream alive."

At 2 p.m., area young people will remember the slain civil rights leader with music, oratory and theater at the Westfield Shoppingtown. The tribute will be held in the foyer of the former ShopKo.

For more information on either event, contact Juanita Spicer at 334-2264.

Dr. Henry Shannon, chancellor of St. Louis Community College, will be the guest speaker at the 17th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Breakfast in the Student Recreation Center at Southeast Missouri State University at 8 a.m. the same day.

Tickets are available in the Southeast Bookstore or on the third floor of the University Center.