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While we wait…
While the country engages in a long, torturous process of finding out who the next president will be, the young’uns at the MLK Community Center in Newport went to the ballot box, too. Learning about the election process, ballots, and voting in a free world, we’re sure the simplistic lesson was one everyone in this country would prefer.
But here we are – and we’ve been here before. When is a vote – a true vote? Who could vote? And when? How are votes counted? How are winners declared? Popular vs. Electoral.
No, our election is far from over. In the early hours this morning, Joe Biden was to deliver an acceptance speech, complete with balloons and music – but – it was not to be. And he’s superstitious, too. Votes are still being tabulated. Challenges are being mounted. A deeply flawed voting system is bringing out the worst in the country – as we wait. Hopefully when it’s all said and done, we won’t be so damaged that we can’t come together as a country – and that we can work hard to restore confidence in the voting system – we’ve got two years before another election and four years before we engage in a presidential re-visit. We must fix this. We must start today.
If we do, we could feel the joy we see, here, even when our candidate loses.
From the MLK Center:
2020 has been a long and stressful year for everyone. It’s hard to think about the coming holidays, but the MLK Community Center is committed to offering holiday programs again this year, despite modifications caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. If you need help for the very first time this year, and live in Newport County, they have you covered. And, if you want to make a difference this holiday season, your support goes directly to Newport County families.
In 2019, the MLK Community Center strongly supported its area families.
3,507 Thanksgiving meals were served from the food pantry.
947 children from 422 families received holiday toys and gifts.
To help – or ask for help
Register for Thanksgiving Help by Tuesday, November 10 – Christmas by Nov. 20
All Newport County residents, who are not registered for any other holiday help programs, are eligible.
Putting food on the table and toys under the tree can be difficult.
The Thanksgiving food pantry and holiday food pantry offer festive meals to registered families.
The Santa’s Workshop program offers registered families the opportunity to choose holiday gifts and toys for their children.
Santa’s Workshop wouldn’t be possible without generous community and corporate support.
New and unwrapped toys and gifts can be donated at the Center’s loading dock, Mon – Fri 8:30 am – 5:00 pm, by 11/30/20 at the latest.
To hold a toy drive and schedule your donation date, contact us at (401) 846-4828 or email us.
About the MLK Center
The MLK Community Center fights hunger, promotes health, educates young and school-aged kids, supports families, and engages seniors all across Newport County, Rhode Island.
Food Pantry Hours:
Monday, Wednesday, Friday 10 am – 2 pm and Wednesday evenings from 4 to 6 pm. First Saturday of each month, 10 am – 12 pm
