Sources: Kate Harness or Danielle Tolle at 785-532-3670
News release prepared by: Beth Bohn, 785-532-2523, bbohn@k-state.edu

Tuesday, Oct. 26, 2010

FAMILY VOLUNTEER DAY NOV. 20 AT MANHATTAN ARTS CENTER STUDIO ANNEX

MANHATTAN -- Area families interested in helping the community are invited to participate in Family Volunteer Day, Saturday, Nov. 20.

HandsOn Kansas State is partnering with the Manhattan Arts Center to sponsor the day at the art center's studio annex, just east of the center on Poyntz Avenue.

Kansas State University's Kate Harness, junior in mass communications, Olathe, said families are invited to lend a hand to several projects being offered throughout the day. They include:

* Painting tiles for a mural on the construction fence around the Flint Hills Discovery Center site.

* Making Thanksgiving placemats for local families.

* Cutting pieces for Hope Bags used by patients at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. The bags are personalized by the patients, who use them to carry their medical necessities.

Harness said the event starts at 9 a.m. and is come-and-go, with no reservations necessary. The day will wrap up at 4 p.m. with a performance by Mr. Stinky Feet.

"Family Volunteer Day is a fun way to show kids the benefits of volunteering, and it's a great way for families to spend some quality time together and have a positive impact on the local community through their efforts," Harness said.

Volunteers also are needed to help with the event. For more information on Family Volunteer Day or to volunteer for the event, contact Harness or Danielle Tolle at 785-532-3670.