News Release

Contact:    Robin Maxey                                                                  January 19, 200

                   (503) 986-1605   

                   robin.maxey@state.or.us                                                          

Senators Honor Dr. King By Volunteering

At Marion-Polk Food Share Monday

(SALEM) – Seven members of the Oregon Senate and six staff members volunteered at the Marion-Polk Food Share Monday afternoon to honor the memory of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and answer President-elect Barack Obama’s call to make the day a national day of service.

Senate President Peter Courtney (D-Salem/Gervais/Woodburn), and Senators Suzanne Bonamici (D-Beaverton), Jackie Dingfelder (D-Portland), Laurie Monnes-Anderson (D-Gresham), Diane Rosenbaum (D-Portland), Vicki Walker (D-Eugene) and Jackie Winters (R-Salem) took part in a bulk food sort and a book sort for the Reading For All program.

“Dr. King once said: ‘Life’s most persistent and urgent question is: What are you doing for others?’ Today, I am proud of the Oregon Senate for answering that question in a positive manner. I can’t think of a better way to honor Dr. King and our nation’s new president than to give of our time and our abilities to help those who are less fortunate,” Courtney said.

The volunteer service followed special ceremonies in honor of Dr. King on the Senate Floor Monday morning.