By Darrell Fleury

All around America, communities are coming together and forming coalitions to feed the homeless.  It is an ideal opportunity for our community to extend a hand to help the less fortunate in Bakersfield who may be hungry, homeless and jobless. You are invited to join our effort to treat those less fortunate with dignity, love and respect in the spirit of uplifting humanity.

The Coalition to Preserve Human Dignity is hosting Bakersfield Humanitarian Day 2009 from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19, at Martin Luther King Jr. Park, at King and South Owens Street. A free lunch will be provided from noon to 1:30 p.m. There will be free food, hygiene kits and quality gift items for the homeless and those in need.

We are also seeking volunteers and donations. Here is how you can get involved:

• Volunteer to help at the event.
• Make a cash donation.
• Donate gently used clothing, shoes, backpacks and wallets, as well as new underwear and new socks.
• Be a goodwill ambassador and spread the word.

Contact Darrell Fleury at jandarl@sbcglobal.net to get involved.