...and not turn away.

Repeat post, but appropriate.

There are plenty of ways to pay tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. today.

In the Tampa Bay area alone, events scheduled include the entire family. A parade today, for example. However, I can't help but wonder: Is a parade and celebration the best way to honor Dr. King? Go ahead and roll your eyes, but consider this: Dr. King talked about dreams and ways to make them come true. What would he do with a day off?

Unfortunately, many places require young volunteers to be at least
twelve years old. My kids have another five to go. If old enough and so
inclined, call the Tampa-Hillsborough Urban League at 229.8117 and see if there
isn't some way you can help. In your own corner of the world there are ways to
contribute and push a stroller at the same time.

Go downtown and:
-- Clean up a park.
-- Bring old books and magazines to any assisted-living
facility or homeless shelter.
-- Take some stuff you were saving for a
garage sale and donate the items to Goodwill instead.
-- Serve food at a soup kitchen.
-- Take your kids to a nursing home and let them hang out with
older folks. The stories are better than anything showing on television.

These are just some ideas. Feel free to come up with your own and do
some good for the neighborhood.