The National Arab American Service Day will take place on May 17th, 2008, kicking off at 10 a.m. at Lapeer Park in Dearborn. 250 volunteers are expected but more are always welcome. Volunteers can choose from three different service projects for the day including Family Fun Day at Lapeer Park, Warrendale Motor City Makeover, and Corktown’s Roosevelt Park in Detroit. Activities include cleaning up parks and schoolyards, planting trees and flowers, painting murals, and renovating homes.

Over 2,000 people from across the country are also expected to take part in the day from places like New York, Texas, and California as well. The local event is presented by the Arab Community Center for Economic and Social Services (ACCESS), a human services organization committed to the development of the Arab American community in all aspects of its economic and cultural life.

 “The National Arab American Service Day is truly representative of the Arab American community, a community committed to giving back through service and to building bridges with our diverse neighbors,” said Sue Makki, Project Director of ACCESS’ national AmeriCorps program.