(STAFF)
The Arc Nature Coast is among 10 chapters of The Arc across the nation selected by the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS), to plan and execute volunteer projects that will unite Americans in service.
The Arc Nature Coast will partner with Beasley Farms to provide fresh fruits and vegetables to supplement several food pantries in Hernando and Pasco Counties. The Days of Service takes place during the third and fourth weeks of January in honor of Martin Luther King Day.
The Arc of the United States, through its selected chapters, will be involved in service events throughout January and February where people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) will volunteer alongside people without disabilities in an activity related to access to healthy food.
“People with [I/DD] have so much to offer their communities, and this day of service opportunity provides them the chance to give back. Many perceive people with disabilities as the ones in need of service—but in reality, they are often a part of civic engagement at the state, local, and national level. Being a part of this national community service day will shine a spotlight on what people with disabilities offer in their community,” said Peter Berns, CEO of The Arc.
Each project will serve a community that experiences food insecurity.
Each chapter of The Arc will partner with a local service club and a local hunger-focused organization to carry out activities. Other chapters hosting activities include The Arc Northeastern Pennsylvania (PA), The Arc of Luzerne County (PA), The Arc of Tri Cities (WA), The Arc of South Carolina, The Arc of the Glades (FL), The Arc of North Texas, TARC (OK), The Arc of Hanover County (VA) and The Arc of Davidson and Greater Nashville (TN).
“This is a great way to give back to our community- for people of all ages and abilities, individuals, families and groups”, stated Mark Barry, Executive Director of The Arc Nature Coast. It is a wonderful way to help our community, and we are grateful for the opportunity to share with other volunteers that people with disabilities can and do contribute to our community.”
To register to volunteer with The Arc Nature Coast, call 352-544-2322, register online at www.allforgood.org/ or e mail info@tancinc.org.