25,000 underprivileged kids aged 11 and under will be getting what they deserve during this years’ Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service: a new security blanket, an age-appropriate book and a stuffed animal. Rockland County Youth Bureau’s AmeriCorps Program will participate in Project Night Night, a national effort that donates thousands of packages each year, free of charge, to homeless children in need of childhood essentials.

By providing objects of reliable comfort, Project Night Night helps to reduce trauma and advances the emotional and cognitive well-being of the children served.   Each child who receives one of the packages benefits from owning a book, which encourages reading and family bonding, a security blanket, which can be cuddled, and a stuffed animal, which can become a cherished friend.

‘€œWe are proud to be taking part in this community service project for children who are less fortunate,’€ said Rockland County Execute Scott Vanderhoef.  ‘€œThose who wish to participate can help by filling one or more tote bags for a needy child. What a great way to honor the memory of a prominent leader such as Martin Luther King, Jr.’€

The Rockland Family Shelter and the Rockland County Department of Social Services foster families will be provided with 80 Project Night Night packages.  The packages are designed for children 11 years old and under.

For more information or if you would like to participate and fill one or more of the tote bags, please contact Kim Andrews at the Youth Bureau at 845-638-5166.  All NEWLY purchased items should be dropped off at the Youth Bureau, 18 New Hempstead Road in New City, no later than January 18, 2012.

See also: Martin Luther King, Jr. 2012 Day of Service, Project Night Night