Indivisible Central New Jersey will host a “Help Over Hate” Weekend event on Tuesday, January 21st, at Kiddie Keep Well Camp in Edison, where volunteers will paint the camp’s dining hall starting at 5:00 p.m., followed by pizza and a monthly meeting at 7:00 p.m. to support the community through service and maintenance.
The birthday of Martin Luther King Jr., often referred to shorthand as MLK Day, is a federal holiday in the United States observed on the third Monday of January each year.
The national “Martin Luther King, Jr., National Day of Service” was started by former Pennsylvania U.S. Senator Harris Wofford and Atlanta Congressman John Lewis, who co-authored the King Holiday and Service Act to challenge Americans to transform the holiday into a day of citizen action volunteer service in honor of the slain civil rights leader.
The event will take place at the Kiddie Keep Well Camp in Edison, where volunteers will help with painting the camp’s dining hall, contributing to the maintenance and improvement of the facility.
The event will kick off at 5:00 p.m. with the Painting Party, followed by pizza and a monthly meeting at 7:00 p.m.
This gathering is not only about enhancing a community institution but also underscores the values of service and solidarity, in stark contrast to a political environment marked by division and hate.
Since the first Indivisible Guide went viral in 2016, it spawned a national movement that enables citizens to work together to improve the nation.
Indivisible Central NJ is an independent, grassroots organization dedicated to supporting democracy that works collectively with affiliated groups at the national, state, and local levels empowering people to hold elected officials accountable.
Kiddie Keep Well Camp is a nonprofit organization that has provided invaluable services to under-resourced children and senior citizens from Middlesex County, New Jersey, since 1924.
Initially established as a “Fresh Air Camp,” the organization focused on providing children suffering from tuberculosis with fresh air and recreation.
Today, Kiddie Keep Well Camp is the only facility of its kind in New Jersey and one of the oldest camps of its type in the nation. It offers a holistic approach to health and well-being through various programs for both youth and seniors.
The camp is dedicated to helping those who might not otherwise have access to summer camp experiences. Every year, approximately 600 children between the ages of 7 and 11 are accepted for a free 12-day summer session, providing them with a range of activities that promote physical health, emotional well-being, and social development.
The camp is located in Roosevelt Park and has room to accommodate up to 175 campers at a time. Programs include swimming lessons, arts and crafts, sports, music, nature activities, and more. Kiddie Keep Well Camp’s focus is on creating a safe, supportive environment that fosters growth and development, particularly for those who need it the most.
The “Help Over Hate” Painting Party is just one example of how community members can come together to make a difference. Volunteering at Kiddie Keep Well Camp is both fulfilling and essential.
The camp relies on volunteers to help maintain and improve the facility, ensuring that it remains a welcoming and safe environment for campers of all ages. Whether it’s through painting, office work, or hands-on assistance with camper programs, volunteers play a critical role in keeping the camp operational.
The event is also a reflection of the broader mission of Indivisible Central NJ and its commitment to standing in opposition to the divisiveness that has marked U.S. politics in recent years.
The group is hosting this event in conjunction with the MLK Day of Service to make a meaningful contribution to the community, showing that acts of kindness and solidarity are a direct response to the negativity and hate that have characterized some parts of the political landscape.
By participating in this “Help Over Hate” initiative, Indivisible Central NJ aims to demonstrate that regardless of political affiliation, individuals can unite to make their communities better places. This gathering seeks to amplify the positive impact of grassroots movements and volunteerism as a counterpoint to political rhetoric that emphasizes division.
The need for continued support for Kiddie Keep Well Camp is greater than ever.
For nearly a century, the camp has provided a haven for thousands of children and seniors, offering them a free space to experience summer fun, learn new skills, and engage in meaningful activities that promote overall well-being.
With over 500 volunteers each year, the camp relies heavily on the generosity of community members to provide essential services.
The camp’s Senior Wellness Program, for instance, provides seniors with an opportunity to participate in specialized activities that promote physical and mental wellness.
The camp also hosts various youth programs, including both summer and year-round initiatives, that teach children valuable skills such as teamwork, self-esteem, and conflict resolution. This diverse programming helps to ensure that Kiddie Keep Well Camp remains a vital resource for the community.
Indivisible Central NJ’s “Help Over Hate” Painting Party at Kiddie Keep Well Camp offers a unique opportunity to not only engage in community service but to make a positive, lasting impact on a facility that serves some of the most vulnerable members of the community. The event will also serve as a reminder that small acts of kindness and dedication can serve as a powerful antidote to the divisions present in today’s political climate.
The event will take place on Tuesday, January 21st at Kiddie Keep Well Camp located at 35 Roosevelt Drive, Edison, NJ 08837. The Painting Party will begin at 5:00 p.m., followed by pizza and the monthly Indivisible Central NJ meeting at 7:00 p.m. Volunteers are encouraged to bring a positive attitude and a willingness to contribute to the camp’s ongoing success.
For those looking to make a tangible difference, this event is an ideal way to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day while also helping to support a local, long-standing institution that benefits the community year-round.