The A-OK! Acts of Kindness Weekend will take place on September 11-12, 2010, in Syracuse, New York, involving nearly 100 organizations focused on community service and engagement. The event offers various volunteer opportunities, activities, and donation drives across multiple hub locations, aiming to foster community connections and improve neighborhood well-being. For participation, individuals can volunteer, donate, or seek more information through designated emails and the organization's website.

1. Join us for A-OK! Acts of Kindness WeekendSEPTEMBER 11-12, 2010Opportunities for community engagementin the greater Syracuse, New York areaA project ofWomen Transcending Boundaries / www.wtb.orgUpdated September 9

2. Enthusiasm is growing!Nearly 100 organizations will be participating in our A-OK! Acts of Kindness Weekend on September 11-12, 2010. It’s going to be a spectacular weekend of volunteering and connecting across Central New York. The diverse groups include civic, health, faith, education, environmental, youth, entertainment, law enforcement, and advocacy organizations.

3. Goals Build community across the greater Syracuse area.

4. Help individuals and organizations link up to make our neighborhoods healthier, safer, and more hospitable. Continue reading for a list of participating organizations.Then get involved: To volunteer, email: aokvolunteer@syracusenewtimes.com

5. To discuss project planning, email aok@wtb.org.

6. To donate, visit www.wtb.org.Join us on facebook: A-OK! Weekend SyracuseFor a google map of project sites, click here.

7. Activity HubsSaturday and SundayNorth Side: Assisi Center, 800 North Salina StreetEastwood: Sunnycrest Park, Caleb & Hickok AvenuesDowntown: University United Methodist Church, 1085 E. Genesee St.West Side: St. Lucy’s Church, 432 Gifford Street South Side: Mary Nelson’s Youth Center, 2849 South Salina StreetSaturday only South Side: Hopps Memorial C.M.E. Church, 1110 South State Street Opening of Rahma Health Clinic, 3100 South Salina StreetNote: Projects, times, and locations are subject to change; check www.wtb.org for updates. Click through the slide show for an alphabetical list of project organizers,followed by a list of groups committing to acts of kindness.

8. HUB: Assisi Center NORTH SIDE HUB: SATURDAY & SUNDAY, 9 am-4 pmSATURDAY9 am: brief 9/11 memorial ceremony; volunteers sent to nearby projects9:30 am – 4:00 pm: giveaway of baby clothing and plants; bulb planting10:00 am – 11:00 am: reading to kids10:00 am – 2:00 pm: crafts for kids, blood pressure screening; HIV/AIDS screening, information tables11:00 am – 1:00 pm: fingerprinting11:30 am – 12:30 pm: kids making pet food1:00 pm – 2:00 pm: storytelling and drawing1:30 pm – 2:00 pm: line dancing2:30 pm – 3:30 pm: poetry for adults and childrenNeeded: Volunteers, snacks, foodCollecting donations: Warm clothing and blankets, non-perishable food, children’s booksTo volunteer: email aokvolunteer@syracusenewtimes.comNORTH SIDE: 800 North Salina Street

9. HUB: Assisi Center NORTH SIDE HUB: SATURDAY & SUNDAY, 9 am-4 pmSUNDAY9:30 am – 10:30 am: giveaway of baby clothing9:30 am – 2:00 pm: information tables 10:00 am – 2:00 pm: blood pressure screening11:00 am – 12:00 pm: relaxation activity for adults; Bambi movie for kids12:30 pm – 1:30 pm: van tour of community gardens (maximum of 15 people; please sign up)1:00 pm – 2:00 pm: Nia aerobic dancing2:00 pm – 3:00 pm: conversations with American veteransNeeded: Volunteers, snacks, foodCollecting donations: Warm clothing and blankets, non-perishable food, children’s booksTo volunteer: email aokvolunteer@syracusenewtimes.comNORTH SIDE: 800 North Salina Street

10. HUB: Sunnycrest ParkEASTWOOD HUB: SATURDAY & SUNDAY, 9 am-4 pmSATURDAY: 9 am: brief 9/11 memorial ceremony9:30 am – 12:00 pm: puppet making for children, followed by a parade to the ice rink; balloons, and face painting10:00 am – 2:00 pm: information tables; blood pressure screening2:00 pm – 3:00 pm: Nia aerobic dancing5:30 pm – 6:30 pm: 9/11 memorial service at nearby Sheridan Park, Nichols & Burnett AvenueNeeded: Volunteers, snacks, foodCollecting donations: Warm clothing and blankets, non-perishable food, children’s books, prom gowns, bicycles, diapers, musical instrumentsDispatching volunteers to do clean-ups at other city parksTo volunteer: email aokvolunteer@syracusenewtimes.comEASTWOOD: Caleb & Hickok Avenue entrance

11. HUB: Sunnycrest ParkEASTWOOD HUB: SATURDAY & SUNDAY, 10 am-4 pmSUNDAY10:00 am – 2:00 pm: information tables; blood pressure screening10:00 am – 12:00 pm: music with kids and origami11:00 am – 12:00 pm: van tour of community gardens (maximum of 15 people; please sign up)12:00 pm – 2:00 pm: crafts for kids; makings cards for victims of Gulf oil spill1:00 pm – 2:00 pm: story telling2:00 pm – 3:00 pm: relaxation activity3:00 pm – 4:00 pm: Zumba (Latin music/exercise/dance)Needed: Volunteers, snacks, foodCollecting donations: Warm clothing and blankets, non-perishable food, children’s books, prom gowns, bicycles, diapers, musical instrumentsDispatching volunteers to do clean-ups at other city parksTo volunteer: email aokvolunteer@syracusenewtimes.comEASTWOOD: Caleb & Hickok Avenue entrance

12. HUB: University U. Methodist ChurchDOWNTOWN HUB: Saturday, 9 am-4 pm; Sunday, 9 am-12 pmSATURDAY 9 am: Brief 9/11 memorial service10:00 am – 11:00 am: try out musical instruments10:00 am – 12:00 pm: Food Bank demonstration10:00 am – 2:00 pm: Information tables; blood pressure screening, HIV testing, free legal advice and credit reviews11:00 am – 12:00 pm: children’s craft activities; jazz on the front steps SUNDAY, 9 -10 am: community breakfast10:00 am – 12:00 pm: blood pressure screening; crafts for kids; bake cookies to take to nearby first respondersNeeded: Volunteers, food, snacksCollecting donations: Warm clothing and blankets, non-perishable food, children’s books, prom gowns, bicycles, diapers, musical instrumentsTo volunteer: email aokvolunteer@syracusenewtimes.comDOWNTOWN: 1085 East Genesee Street

13. HUB: St. Lucy’s Food Pantry/GymWEST SIDE HUB: Saturday, 9 am-4 pm; Sunday 10 am-3 pm SATURDAY 9 am: Brief 9/11 memorial ceremony9:00 am – 4:00 pm painting a mural in the food pantry10:00 am – 11:00 am dynamic exercises for mind and body (teens and adults)10:00 am – 11:30 am drumming10:00 am – 12:00 pm making friendship bracelets10:00 am – 2:00 pm crafts for kids, information tables; blood pressure screenings10:30 am – 11:00 am opera singing10:30 am – 12:30 pm story telling; writing cards to the military11:00 am – 12:00 pm van tour of community gardens (15 people maximum; please sign up in advance)11:00 am – 1:00 pm bike clinic11:00 am – 4:00 pm La Casita Cultural Center Project: ”The Big Draw: What is your story?” Creating a collective community story with visual and oral histories12:00 pm – 1:00 pm hip-hop dancers, Zumba (Latin music/dance/exercise)12:30 pm – 1:30 pm Raging Grannies singing group1:00 pm – 2:00 pm Nia aerobic dancing, youth theater performance2:00 pm – 3:00 pm relaxation programSUNDAY: 10 am – 3 pm Food pantry open; check-in for volunteers at nearby projectsNeeded: Volunteers, food, snacksCollecting donations: Warm clothing and blankets, non-perishable food, children’s books, prom gowns, bicycles, diapers, musical instrumentsTo volunteer: email aokvolunteer@syracusenewtimes.comWEST SIDE: 432 Gifford Street

14. HUB: Mary Nelson’s Youth CenterSOUTH SIDE HUB: SATURDAY & SUNDAY, 9 am-4 pmSATURDAY: 9 am: Brief 9/11 memorial ceremony10:00 am – 2:00 pm: crafts for kids; make cards for victims of Gulf oil spill12:00 pm – 1:00 pm: poetry for adults and children12:00 pm – 4:00 pm: practicing fundamentals of gold2:00 pm – 4:00 pm: music and origami for childrenSUNDAY10:00 am – 4:00 pm: open for people to check in while working at nearby sites12:00 pm – 4:00 pm: practicing fundamentals of golf12:30 pm – 1:30 pm: relaxation activity1:00 pm – 2:00 pm: NIA aerobic dancing2:30 pm – 3:30 pm: storytelling and drawingNeeded: volunteers, food, snacksCollecting donations: Warm clothing and blankets, non-perishable food, children’s books, prom gowns, bicycles, diapers, musical instrumentsTo volunteer: email aokvolunteer@syracusenewtimes.comSOUTH SIDE: 2849 South Salina Street

15. HUB: Hopps Memorial C.M.E. ChurchSOUTH SIDE HUB: SATURDAY, 9 am-4 pm9 am: brief 9/11 memorial ceremony9:00 am – 4:00 PM free yard sale, information tables10:00 am – 2:00 pm blood pressure screening; HIV AIDS screening; crafts for children11:00 am – 12:00 pm relaxation exercises2:30 pm – 3:30 pm stories for children and drawing3:00 pm – 4:00 pm Nia aerobic dancingCollecting donations: Warm clothing and blankets, non-perishable food, children’s books, prom gowns, bicycles, diapers, musical instrumentsTo volunteer: email aokvolunteer@syracusenewtimes.comSOUTH SIDE: 1110 South State Street

16. ALS Upstate NY ChapterWalk to raise money for medical researchLocation: Syracuse Inner Harbor, near the AmphitheaterDate and time: Saturday, 7:00 am - 2:00 pm Response: Students from LeMoyne college will fill the volunteer needs for set up and clean up.

17. Beaver Lake Nature CenterEngage city youth to work at the annual Golden Harvest Festival Dates and times (4-hour shifts are fine): Saturday, 10:00 am to 6:00 pm

18. Sunday, 10:00 am to 5:00 pmResponse: 10 volunteers from LeMoyne CollegeNeeded: 20 more volunteers and possibly transportation for volunteersTo volunteer: email aokvolunteer@syracusenewtimes.comBALDWINSVILLE: East Mud Lake Road

19. Brady Faith CenterLandscaping around the centerNeeded: 4 volunteersWill provide: SupervisionDate & time: Saturday, 9:30 am – 3:00 pmTo volunteer: email aokvolunteer@syracusenewtimes.comSOUTH SIDE: 404 South Avenue

20. Butternut Community Policing CenterBuild a game room downstairs, installing supports, walls, doors, heating, electrical work, and carpet.Response: The necessary volunteers and materials to carry out the project will be provided by the Central New York Community Foundation and another organization.Note: This will double the center’s space and increase its capacity to reach local teens. The walls will be covered with murals, and the space dedicated to computers, craft activities, and birthday parties.NORTH SIDE: 907 Butternut Street

21. Butternut StyleSpruce up Butternut Street around the Butternut Policing Center: clean around trees and plant flowers, repair and repaint signs, paint porches, clean windows, build containers for garbage. Advance work: Volunteers will go door to door blocks to describe project, compile a list of needs, and ask businesses and neighbors to donate supplies and volunteer their time.Response: Central New York Community Foundationand Labors of Love will provide volunteers. Needed: Additional volunteers and suppliesTo volunteer: email aokvolunteer@syracusenewtimes.comNORTH SIDE: Along Butternut Street

22. Center for New AmericansHelp organize the new warehouse: polish silverware and clean other items for our silent auction; wash and sort dishes and other household items; do light construction tasks (spackling, plumbing, etc.); appraise antique itemsDate & times: Saturday, 10 am–2 pmResponse: members of King of Kings Lutheran Church in Liverpool will volunteer; more volunteers needed.To volunteer email aokweekend@syracusenewtimes.comNORTH SIDE: 1914 Teal Avenue

23. Eastern Farm WorkersHelp transport bags of clothing from a home on Euclid Avenue to St. John the Baptist Church; sort and arrange clothing.Date and Time: Saturday, 10:00 am - 3:00 pmResponse: LeMoyne College students will fill the volunteer needs.NORTH SIDE: 406 Court Street

24. Hendricks Chapel at SUA celebratory event for the closure of A-OK! WeekendDate and time: Open Invitation Sunday, 5:00 to 7:00 pmNeeded: Groups of various faiths and cultures to perform; food; volunteers to set up 4-5 pm and clean up from 7-8 pmTo volunteer: email aokvolunteer@syracusenewtimes.comSYRACUSE UNIVERSITY

25. Honey Tree Day CarePaint5classroom walls and hallway at the Greater East Syracuse Day Care at Eastwood Baptist Church.Response: LeMoyne College students will fill the volunteer needs.EASTWOOD: 3212 James Street

26. Housing VisionsBlock party for the 600 block of Catherine Street, between East Laurel and Hickory StreetsDate and time: Saturday, 8 am-5 pmNeeded: volunteers to help set up, tables, chairs, musiciansWill provide: volunteers from Catherine Street residents, food, gamesTo volunteer: email aokvolunteer@syracusenewtimes.comNORTH SIDE: 600 Block of Catherine Street

27. Huntington Family CentersClean out a recently-bought building near the office.Needed: Adult volunteers, donations of snacks and foodWill provide: Supervision and a dumpsterDate & time: Saturday, 9 am – 4 pmTo volunteer: email aokvolunteer@syracusenewtimes.comWEST SIDE: 405 Gifford Street

28. Imagining AmericaSet up and clean up for Art-in-Motion Open Hand Theater large-scale street show to be held in Armory SquareNeeded: VolunteersDate and time: Saturday, 10-12 pm for set-up and 3-4:30 pm for clean-up (rain location: Plymouth Church, 232 E. Onondaga St.)Note: This project is based on the belief that art can connect and strengthen communities. In preparation, people in various parts of the city have been creating giant puppets and theatrical scenes reflecting their neighborhood identities. To volunteer: email aokvolunteer@syracusenewtimes.comWEST SIDE: Armory Square, 500 South Franklin Street

29. Islamic Society of CNYCollect non-perishable food for food pantries; clean up the neighborhood; offer free ethnic meals for volunteers and needy peopleDate and time: Sunday, 11 am-3 pmWill provide: All supplies, food, and volunteers; can provide youth volunteers for other projectsDOWNTOWN: 925 Comstock Avenue

30. Jowonio SchoolConstruct a children’s labyrinth, tidy up the school’s outdoor spaces, including Trike Town, recruit volunteers for respite programsNeeded: Volunteer labor, food (lunches, snacks, drinks), work gloves, shovels, 10 cubic yards of topsoil, 5 cubic yards of mulch, 120 square feet of so, bulbs, truck to haul materials beforehand, one-day rental of Dingo-type equipment, 2 sturdy benchesDates and times: Saturday and Sunday, 12 noon – 5:00 pmTo volunteer: email aokvolunteer@syracusenewtimes.comDOWNTOWN: 3049 East Genesee Street

31. KJ’s Angels Memorial FundRemove leaves and debris from the common area in Oakwood Cemetery where cremated bodies of infants are collectively buried, as well as around the donated baby bench which is located off the Colvin Street entrance, plant daffodil bulbs at both locations. Meet at the Islamic Society across the street to sign in and share a meal. Needed: 15 volunteers, 100 daffodil bulbs, trash bags, trash disposal. Bring tools for raking, planting bulbs, and cleaning out flower beds. Can provide: Volunteers from KJ’s AngelsDate and time: Sunday, 12:00 noon to 4:00 pmNote: The annual fundraising walk for K.J.'s Angels is the following week. To volunteer: email aokvolunteer@syracusenewtimes.comDOWNTOWN: Oakwood Cemetery, Comstock Avenue

32. Liverpool First United Methodist ChurchServe a free lunch to first respondersDate & time: Saturday, 10 am to 2 pmMake cards to honor first responders:Date & time: Sunday 8 am to 12 pmLIVERPOOL: 604 Oswego Street

33. Newell Street GardenBuild a fence along the front of the community garden.Needed: 5 skilled volunteers to dig holes, mix and pour concrete; 6 bags of quick-drying cement, exterior acrylic paint in rainbow colors for kids to paint the fence, level, saw, tape measure, sand paper, brushes and rollersDates and times: Saturday and Sunday, 9:00 am-2:00 pm. To volunteer: email aokvolunteer@syracusenewtimes.comSOUTH SIDE: 612 West Newell

34. Northside Learning CenterPaint a mural on an outside concrete wall and repair a fence.Needed: VolunteersTo volunteer: email aokvolunteer@syracusenewtimes.comNORTH SIDE: 808 North McBride Street

35. The Oaks at Menorah ParkResidents will write letters to military personnel.Desired: a choral group to sing for residents on SundayTo volunteer: email aokvolunteer@syracusenewtimes.com18 Arbor Lane, Dewitt

36. Person to Person Citizen AdvocacyJoin in a Game Day with residents at Loretto. Play games and visit with residents of Fahey and Cunningham Rehabilitation Centers and Residences. Needed: 40 volunteers bringing their own board games or using the games provided. Meet in the lobby of the Cunningham (the taller building).Date and time: Sunday, 1:30 - 4:30 pm Note: Due to the variety of nutritional needs, do not bring food; snacks will be provided at 3:30 pm.To volunteer: email aokvolunteer@syracusenewtimes.comSOUTH SIDE: 700 East Brighton Avenue

37. Rahma ClinicSATURDAY, 11 am-3 pmGrand opening of the Rahma Free Health Clinic11 am: Brief 9/11 memorial ceremony11:30 am-3 pm: blood pressure checks; health screening; children’s activities; henna painting for children12:30-1:30 pm: relaxation activityTo volunteer: email aokvolunteer@syracusenewtimes.comSOUTH SIDE: 3100 South Salina Street

38. Rapha CommunityA "Heart-Beat" drumming session at Forman Park. An open session of Drumming for old and young, practiced drummers or anyone who wants to join in the beat.Open invitation: let our drums and hearts beat as one on this day of service, sending away fear and despair, calling in kindness and joy. Date and time: Saturday, 1:00 to 3:00 pmDOWNTOWN: Forman Park, E. Genesee St. & Almond St.

39. Sheridan Park AssociationA “We Remember” memorial service at Sheridan Park with a color guard, fire and police department participation, speaker, and opening and closing prayer.Open invitation: Attend, pray, and remember those we have lost.Date and time: Saturday, 5:30 pmEASTWOOD: Sheridan Park on Nichols Avenue off Burnett Avenue

40. Stone Soup Children’s GardenDig 14 post holes and erect a fence for the garden.Note: This is a collaboration of the West Side Initiative, St. Lucy’s Brady Faith Center, and Huntington Family Centers.Response: LeMoyne College students will fill the volunteer needs.WEST SIDE: 410-412 Gifford Street

41. Syracuse GrowsProject: Offer tours of community gardens to those who sign upTo volunteer: email aokvolunteer@syracusenewtimes.comNORTH SIDE: 207 Isabella StreetSOUTH SIDE: 612 W. Newell Ave., 341 Midland AvenueEAST: 127 Harvard Place (off Westcott Street)WEST SIDE: Lipe Art Park, West Fayette & Geddes St.

42. Triangle ParkPlant daffodils and mums in a flower garden at a park.Needed: VolunteersWill provide: Daffodil bulbsTo volunteer: email aokvolunteer@syracusenewtimes.comNORTH SIDE: Intersection of Lodi & North Townsend St.

43. Vet Farms of BaldwinsvilleDevelop the vegetable garden which involves veterans in growing food that enhances the health and nutrition for people in need. Needed: Volunteers, materials, food, donations of farm equipment (especially a farm tractor)Can provide: Veterans willing to work, food, some materialsTo volunteer: email aokvolunteer@syracusenewtimes.comBALDWINSVILLE

44. West Side Learning CenterPaint 8 classrooms and hallResponse: Alpha Phi Omega will provide 36 volunteers, paint and equipment.Note: This will improve the learning environment and renew the enthusiasm of both teachers and students. WEST SIDE: 422 Gifford Street

45. The Zen CenterHelp with preparations for the 200th Anniversary of the Forman House, built in 1810 by Joshua Forman, first mayor of the Village of Syracuse; clear the woods and brush around a large sculpture that is meant to be viewed from Onondaga Creek. Note: This sculpture is a public art piece created by Cayuga-Seneca artist Tom Huff, a resident of the Onondaga Nation, commissioned by the Zen Center. It is envisioned as the first in a series called "Art Along the Creek." Funding for the Huff sculpture has been received from the Gifford Foundation, the Allyn Foundation, and the Alex Nason Foundation.Needed: 10 volunteers, use of trimmers, scythes, several gas-powered weed-eaters, gloves, other tools for clearing and beautifying the land. Will provide: finger food and drinks; donations of paper cups will be appreciated.Date and time: Saturday, 9:00-11:30 am and 1:30-4:00 pm (people may volunteer for either or both time periods).Response: SUNY ESF volunteers will remove invasive species.To volunteer: email aokvolunteer@syracusenewtimes.comSOUTH SIDE: 266 West Seneca Turnpike

46. Acts of Kindness Pledge100 Black Men of Syracuse (working with the Syracuse Parks Conservancy on beautification of city parks)Al Huda Mosque (youth sorting food donations at activity hubs on Sunday)Alliance of Communities for Transforming Syracuse (promoting a full-service grocery store on Syracuse’s South Side)Alpha Phi Omega (painting at the WestSide Learning Center) Alzheimer’s Association (recruiting volunteers for respite programs)The Art of Massage (offering chair massages for volunteers coming off a project)Baltimore Woods (encouraging city youth to be involved in caring for parks)Bikes for Peace, Syracuse Peace Council (offering a bike clinic at St. Lucy’s)Books Are Food for Thought (delivering new and genthly used books to children receiving free meals at the Southside Church of Christ)Catholic Charities of Onondaga County (recruiting volunteers for respite programs)Central New York Community Foundation (assisting in projects at the Butternut Community Police Center and Butternut Style)City of Syracuse

47. Acts of Kindness PledgeCity of Syracuse Fire DepartmentCommunity General Hospital health professionals (offering blood pressure screenings at Hopps Memorial C.M.E. Church)Crouse Hospital health professionals (offering blood pressure screenings at Sunnycrest Park)Dunbar Association Center (collecting professional attire for Jobs Plus participants for interviewing for jobs; drop off weekdays at 1453 So. State Street)Dynamic Health and Fitness (offering dynamic, positive exercises for the mind and body at St. Lucy’s)Eastwood Neighborhood Association (providing lunch for volunteers working at Sunnycrest Park on Saturday)Eastwood Parents’ Association (providing children’s activities at Sunnycrest Park)Elmcrest Children’s Center (preparing and serving a dinner for police and fire department personnel in appreciation for their help)Exceptional Family Resources (recruiting volunteers for respite programs)Exploring Spirituality (telling stories to the young and young at heart at hub sites)Fair World Marketplace (offering a discount on purchase to donors of non-perishable foods for food pantries)

48. Acts of Kindness PledgeFirst Tee of Syracuse (teaching the fundamentals of golf at hub sites, building character)Grace Episcopal Church [tentative location] (hosting a “Visions for Change” poverty simulation program)Home HeadQuarters (collecting care packages for incoming refugee families and delivering them to Interfaith Works)Imagine Syracuse (raising awareness of the need for organ donations through offering “hugs at the hubs”)Imagine Syracuse – Young Musicians (collecting donations of musical instruments at hub sites)Inner Beauty Parlor (inviting children to make friendship bracelets at Huntington Family Centers)Interfaith Works (setting up craft stations at hub sites for children to make cards for families along the Gulf Coast affected by the oil spill)Interreligious Food Consortium (providing bins to collect donations of non-perishable food for food pantries)Kings of Kings Lutheran Church, Liverpool (doing projects at the Center for New Americans)