Allstate Insurance Company is once again encouraging volunteerism with Give Back Day, a mass community service initiative to be observed in cities across the country on January 18, 2010 (MLK Day).

As part of the Company’s recognition of Dr. King’s vision and its own commitment to volunteerism, Allstate is also honoring four ‘heroes’ who generously serve their communities through extensive volunteer efforts and continuously make a positive impact in their neighborhoods.

- Lucy Hall-Gainer (Atlanta, GA) – has assisted troubled women in Atlanta, GA by providing them with a safe haven – the Mary Hall Freedom House (MHFH) has helped more than 2,500 women beat addiction and become self-sufficient individuals.

- Xavier Jefferies (Charlotte, NC) – this 16-year-old is the founder and president of the Kick Back Crew, a philanthropic youth group dedicated to beautifying Rockwell Park through a variety of community service initiatives. He also tutors at the local YMCA’s after-school daycare.

- Marquis Smith (Washington D.C.) – this Howard University student has embraced the need for people to give back to their communities and took his mission of service one step further by joining the Army. Upon his return from a three-year tour of duty, Smith compiled more than 600 hours of volunteerism as an AmeriCorps Jumpstart corps member.

- Deanna Woods (Chicago, Ill.) –Seritha White, Woods’ 10 year old niece, was killed by a stray bullet in her native West Englewood, Ill. which compelled her to devote her life to giving back to her community. She was inspired to create the 68th and Marshfield Block Club and become an ambassador for Teamwork Englewood, an organization founded to promote community development and work against drug dealing and gun violence.

Download more detailed bios on the heroes here (http://dl.dropbox.com/u/1022353/ALLSTATE_GIVE_BACK_DAY_HEROES.doc). Check out this video highlighting the heroes — http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=66b0LvaJuW0.

Folks can also be ‘heroes’ in their community by finding local volunteer projects at www.beyondfebruary.com

source: council/Taylor Global

Related posts:

1. BlackPlanet Rising Offers Online Platform for African American Volunteerism The network of volunteer and educational opportunities will allow African-Americans to ‘Champion...
2. Ludacris: Wants To Give You A Car Ludacris transformed this holiday weekend into LudaDay Weekend to celebrate...
3. Unique proposal would give former Smith school new life Mary N. Smith school, the historic building attended by the...
4. African American Architects Mobilize to Help Haiti The January 12 earthquake that struck Haiti has galvanized the...
5. Tiger Woods still #1 in popularity and earnings The Harris Interactive poll for favorite American sports star was...