MIAMI — Miami-Dade County Vice Chairwoman Audrey M. Edmonson and the Miami Children’s Initiative (MCI) are calling for volunteers and donated supplies to transform several city blocks in Liberty City into a showcase for the future of the Miami neighborhood.
At 8 a.m., on Jan. 21, 2013, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday and a national holiday dedicated to community service, MCI staff, volunteers and neighborhood residents will begin “Building a Future, Block by Block” by transforming Northwest 60th Street from 17th to 19th avenues, beginning at Charles R. Drew Middle, 1775 N.W. 60th Street, Miami.
In partnership with D.J. Laz of D.J. 106.7, the Himan Brown Charitable Trust, MCI and volunteers aim to plant trees and plants, fix sidewalks, paint light posts, start a community garden and wrap the Charles R. Drew Middle School fence with a wraparound cover that unfolds as a children’s book.
“As an MCI champion since its beginning, I am looking forward to this transformation” said Edmonson. “MCI mirrors the concept of the Harlem Children’s Zone, having all available resources play a part in transforming the lives of children within a concentrated area in need. Creating this first physical footprint is a good place to start and I urge all businesses and private individuals who can contribute either goods or time to join MCI in this project.”
MCI will need volunteers and donations including trees, plants and grass patches; garden supplies such as shovels, gloves and rakes; outdoor paint and funds to purchase the wrap-around fence.
“MCI’s vision for Liberty City is a place where all of our children have access to great schools, and the support they and their families need to succeed, a place where community resources flourish and high school graduation is just the beginning to a promising career,” said Thema Campbell, MCI interim president/CEO. “The physical transformation of the first block is just a small part of our long term effort to empower every single family in our Impact Zone.”
To volunteer or to donate contact Luisana Cavallo at 305-636-2245 or visit the MCI website, miamichildrensinitiative.org/blockbyblock.shtml
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