January 18, 2010: 10am to 2pm - MLK Jr. National Day of Service – Original Change Project and Rush University Medical Center honored the men and women who have pledged service to the United States Armed Forces and/or their families in an inaugural Day of Service that is dedicated to Dr. King’s teachings and social justice. The celebration was located on the 9^th floor of the Armour Academic Center (600 S. Paulina, Chicago, IL 60612) from 10am to 2pm - - and was open to the public.

Activities throughout the day included: 

• Kick-off by the Illinois Honor Guard
• Care package assembly for the troops
• Blood drive, organ and bone marrow donation registration
• Live turntable sets by DJ Limbs and DJ scanDLS
• Hip-hop dance and spoken word performances from the bright and creative students representing Steinmetz Academic Centre
• Hard-hitting rhymes by MC Wattson and I.DEAL
• Live painting by Pieces of Peace
• Civilian transition resource table for veterans and their families

Rush University Medical Center also directed off-site community outreach projects throughout the day. At the Franciscan House of Mary and Joseph, volunteers cooked and served breakfast to approximately 250 homeless individuals who were lucky to get off the cold streets for a night and stay at the shelter. Additionally, volunteers transformed the science room of the James R. Jordan Boys and Girls Club into a creative and educational escape for minority students to encourage the success of math and science.