Wondering how to honor the memory of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. this year?

A group of dedicated volunteers is working with the City of Federal Way Diversity Commission to sponsor a food and blanket drive for those most in need.

This is the third year for the joint volunteer/diversity commission food drive. The joint effort has in the past two years collected more than 9,000 pounds of food and $825 for the hungry. Blankets were added this year given the extraordinary low temperatures we’ve had recently.

Approximately 56 AmeriCorps volunteers will be staffing collection barrels between the hours of 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. at QFC Northshore, Trader Joes, Grocery Outlet and the Safeway in Milton.

Proceeds go to the Multi-Service Center Federal Way Food Bank and the Federal Way Senior Center.

Collection barrels will also be set up in early January at Federal Way City Hall, the Federal Way Community Center and the EX3 Teen Center.

The food and blanket drive is one of two joint volunteer/diversity commission events to honor the memory of Dr. King. The other is the traditional student essay contest. Find information on the essay contest at www.cityoffederalway.com/diversity. Winners for that contest, and the results of the food and blanket drive, will be celebrated at the regular meeting of the Federal Way City Council at 7 p.m. on Jan. 19 at City Hall, 33325 8th Ave. S.

For more information on the food and blanket drive, contact the City’s Volunteer Coordinator, Jennifer Teeler, 253.835.2652 or jennifer.teeler@cityoffederalway.com