![Photo of a 2015 Season of Service project at the city’s community garden. [contributed]](https://www.theavtimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Palmdale-Season-of-Service-community-garden.jpg)
Registration begins at 8 a.m. It will be followed by a Martin Luther King Jr. Legacy Breakfast at 8:30 a.m.; a community cleanup and survey from 9 to 11:30 a.m.; and a BBQ lunch and open mic concert from 11:30 to noon.
Palmdale’s Season of Service is part of the city’s participation in the “National Day of Service” in recognition of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
“Our Season of Service program just gets bigger every year,” said Palmdale Mayor Jim Ledford. “In Dr. King’s memory, we have designed this program to engage residents and connect groups to better serve and lift up our community.”
Last year, Palmdale residents donated more than 40,000 hours of service.
“All it takes to volunteer is a willingness to give, an interest in your community, and your time,” said Palmdale Community Programs Supervisor Trish Jones. “There is no minimum number of hours required, every hour donated is valuable. And, there’s practically no limit to how you can get involved.”
New for 2016, the city will promote the Season with a ‘Serve or Give” theme. Wish list and service needs of the various partners, such as the South Antelope Valley Emergency Services (SAVES), ACT, and Neighborhood Houses, will be posted at www.cityofpalmdale.org/engaged. View the wish list here.
Other 2016 Season of Service events include:
Antelope Valley Homeless Count – Thursday, Jan. 28, 2016
Participate in the annual event to document the local homeless population. The count provides valuable information for funding and program development.
Community Partner: LAHSA/AV Homeless Coalition
Registration location: Varies; complete list available at www.cityofpalmdale.org/servicedays
Time: 5-6 a.m. registration/training; 6 a.m. project begins.
Global Youth Service Day Planning Event – Wednesday, Feb. 10
Join Palmdale youth in discussing service in the community and help plan the April 2016 Global Youth Service Day.
Community Partner: Youth Service America/State Farm
Location: Chimbole Cultural Center, 38350 Sierra Highway, Palmdale
Time: 6-8 p.m.
Spring Cleaning: Airpark Edition – Saturday, Feb. 20
Join dedicated Adopt-a-Plane groups in preparing the Airpark for another season of visitors from around the world.
Community Partner: Palmdale Adopt-A-Plane Groups
Registration Location: Joe Davies Heritage Airpark, 2001 East Ave. P, Palmdale
Time: 8-8:30 a.m. registration; 8:30 a.m. project begins.
Spring Cleaning: SAVES Edition – Saturday, March 5
Partner with the students of AV YouthBuild in the annual spring cleaning of this service center.
Community Partner: Advancing Communities Together (ACT)/New Image Church
Location: SAVES, 1002 East Avenue Q-12, Palmdale
Time: 8-8:30 a.m. registration; 8:30 a.m. project begins.
Adopt-a-Block: Hammack Neighborhood – Saturday, April 2
Join friends, neighbors and the students of Antelope Valley YouthBuild in making a difference in local neighborhoods.
Community Partners: The Palmdale Dream Center/ACT//New Image Church
Registration Location: TBD
Time: 8-8:30 a.m. registration; 8:30 a.m. project begins.
Global Youth Service Day – Saturday, April 16
Youth and the young at heart will join with youth around the world in celebrating International Global Youth Service Day by giving back to their community.
Community Partners: Youth Service America/State Farm
Location: To be determined
Time: 8-8:30 a.m. registration; 8:30 a.m. project begins.
Stamp Out Hunger – Saturday, May 14
Partner with local letter carriers for the 23rd Annual Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive. Food assists local families in need.
Community Partner: United States Postal Service
Location: SAVES, 1002 East Avenue Q-12, Palmdale
Time: Varies
Volunteers under age 16 must be accompanied by an adult. All participants must complete a Release of Liability (available at www.cityofpalmdale.org or at event registration).
“If you’re not sure what you’re interested in, give us a call at 661-267-5473… and we can help you identify areas of interest,” Jones added. “Or visit us online at www.cityofpalmdale.org/Engaged.”