Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebrated with Day of Service at United Boys & Girls Clubs

On Monday, January 20, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day was celebrated with a “Day of Service” at United Boys & Girls Clubs— Santa Barbara West.

“Public service is an important way to bridge groups of various demographics together to create community and develop peaceful relationships,” said Aaron Martinez, United Boys & Girls Clubs—Santa Barbara West Club Director. “Engaging the youth in community service projects is a powerful way for them to empower themselves.”

Over 20 volunteers from Santa Barbara-based MedBridge facilitated service projects with over 25 UBGC kids, including decorating planter boxes for organic gardening, which helps launch the United Boys & Girls Clubs farm-to-table project.

“We are grateful for MedBridge’s encouragement, time and talent to support our Santa Barbara West Club,” said Gina Carbajal, Executive Director of United Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Barbara County. “The kids are inspired by the volunteers and feel encouraged to participate in community service projects.”

MedBridge volunteers made landscaping and paving improvements that beautified the club’s backyard space, which included laying new brick for an outdoor classroom. MedBridge also led activities, including a story-time, to educate the youth on Martin Luther King, Jr.’s message and legacy.

“United Boys & Girls Clubs— Santa Barbara West provides desperately needed educational, character development, and nutrition programs to at-risk, under-privileged children on the Westside,” said Ruth Loomer, MedBridge Chief of Staff. “MedBridge is thrilled to support their mission of serving children and families in one of our city’s greatest places of need, and hope that this ‘MedBridge Day of Service’ will become an annual tradition with United Boys & Girls Clubs— Santa Barbara West.”

About MedBridge

Since 1999, MedBridge has been a leading provider of development, management and turnaround services for ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) and other healthcare facilities. Led by a Santa Barbara-based team of over thirty professionals, MedBridge Surgery Center Billing focuses exclusively on maximizing reimbursements and collections for its ASC clients. For more information, please visit http://www.medbridge.md/

About the United Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Barbara County

The United Boys and Girls Clubs of Santa Barbara County’s mission is to enable all young people, especially those most in need, to reach their full potential as productive, caring and responsible citizens. Today the Clubs help over 7,000 youth throughout Santa Barbara County. Youth can come to the Clubs to be with friends, participate in sports and engage in educational activities. Children may also be referred to the Clubs by schools, counselors or other agencies as a means to gain a positive experience socially, educationally, physically and emotionally under guidance of caring adults. For more information, please contact United Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Barbara County Administrative Office at 805-681-1315 or visit http://www.unitedbg.org.