We are one people. We are one nation. And together we will begin the next great chapter in America’s story. — U.S. President-elect Barack Obama.

VALDOSTA — In an effort to bring the nation together as one people, President-elect Barack Obama has teamed up with Feeding America and several other nonprofit organizations in calling all communities to unite for a national day of service, Renewing America Together.

Obama and Feeding America invite the nation to participate in a series of community service events Jan. 17-19.

“At the invitation of the Presidential Inaugural Committee, Feeding America has committed to be a national partner for Renewing America Together,” Vice President of Government Relations and Public Policy for Feeding America Maura Daly stated in a letter. “Together, with our next president, we are encouraging everyone, including family, friends and neighbors, to sign up to volunteer.”

Nationally, the Feeding America corporate office is joining forces with the Capital Area Food Bank in Washington D.C. for a “Skip Lunch, Feed America” public rally on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Local food banks and nonprofit agencies will host similar service events throughout the weekend leading up to the national holiday.

“We hope thousands of Americans will choose to support Feeding America in our efforts to raise awareness and end hunger in America,” Daly stated in the letter.

Community service events in Valdosta include:

• America’s Second Harvest of South Georgia Inc., 1411 Harbin Circle, distributing food to the needy at noon on Saturday, Jan. 17.

• The American Red Cross hosting blood drives at its Valdosta Donor Center, 2517 Bemiss Road, at 8 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 17, noon on Sunday, Jan. 18, and 10 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 19.

For information on community service events in other areas, please visit www.USAService.org.