WILMINGTON, Del. – In honor of AmeriCorps Week, which begins Saturday, Senator Chris Coons is encouraging Delawareans to join those serving their communities at one of several AmeriCorps service projects around the state next week. It is also a moment to appreciate the important work done by AmeriCorps members in Delaware and across the country since the national service program was founded 19 years ago.

“Those who devote themselves to serving our communities are brightening the lives of everyone they help and improving the quality of living in our state,” Senator Coons said. “The work AmeriCorps members are doing in Delaware, such as improving parks, tutoring children, and working with the homeless, has made a tremendous impact on an array of needs in our community. I thank the AmeriCorps members who have served in Delaware and encourage all who are considering serving to check out an event to learn more about how they can give back.” 

Each year, AmeriCorps enables more than 100 individuals to provide intensive, results-driven service to meet education, environmental, health, economic and other pressing needs in communities across Delaware. Since 1994, more than 2,000 Delaware residents have served more than 2.6 million hours and have qualified for Segal AmeriCorps Education Awards totaling more than $5,900,000.

AmeriCorps Week is an annual event designed to salute AmeriCorps members and alums for their service, thank AmeriCorps’ community partners, and recognize AmeriCorps’ impact on communities and on the lives of those who serve.  Hundreds of events are taking place across the United States.

The following events are taking place in Delaware during the week of March 11:

Monday, March 11: Habitat for Humanity, A Brush With Kindness, Seaford    

Habitat for Humanity has a build project on King Road, Seaford, DE.  AmeriCorps members will serve from 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Monday, March 11: Habitat for Humanity, A Brush With Kindness, Laurel

Project will assist a homeowner with disabilities at 9946 Cedar Street, Laurel, DE.  Work begins at 9:00 a.m. and cleanup will take place around 2:30 p.m.

Tuesday, March 12: The Caring Corps, Wilmington

The Caring Corps will host a service event assisting the homeless at Samaritan Outreach and Distribution Center, 1410 North Claymont Street, Wilmington, DE from 10:00a.m.- 3:00 p.m.             

Wednesday, March 13: Emergency Services Corps, Wilmington

The Emergency Services Corps will clean up the Cranston Heights Fire Company at 3306 Kirkwood Highway, Wilmington, DE from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Thursday, March 14: Connecting Generations, Dover

The Youth Ambassadors program is sponsoring a number of projects including painting murals, building picnic tables and general clean-up of Central Middle School, 211 Delaware Avenue, Dover, DE from 9:00am to2:00pm

Friday, March 15: Emergency Services Corps, Wilmington

The Emergency Services Corps will clean up the Christiana Fire Company’s fire trucks and gear at 2 East Main Street, Christiana, DE from 12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Friday, March 15: Totally Awesome Players, Wilmington

The Totally Awesome Players event will bring volunteers together to spread the word around the Wilmington community about the local theatre program for young people with intellectual disabilities. The location of the event is the Delaware Theater Company, 200 Water Street, Wilmington, DE. The event will take place from 12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

“AmeriCorps programs have a multiplier effect, delivering much more in benefits than the small investment we make to keep them running,” Senator Coons said. “I believe in service programs because I believe volunteering – giving back – is an essential American value. It’s who we are as a nation, and is part of what makes us special. I’ve been a fan of AmeriCorps at every stage of my career, whether it was starting one of the first AmeriCorps programs in Delaware through the ‘I Have A Dream’ Foundation or, as county executive, expanding our volunteer firefighting force through an AmeriCorps-supported Emergency Services Corps. These programs make a difference in our communities.”

For more information about opportunities to serve with AmeriCorps or funding opportunities, visit http://www.americorps.gov.

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