ITHACA, N.Y. — While most credit unions will be closed today in honor of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. holiday, Alternatives Federal Credit Union is joining others to encourage financial and social empowerment.

Ithaca College is hosting a celebration today that will feature several community service projects. The $55 million Alternatives FCU will canvas the neighborhood to promote the Internal Revenue Service's Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program, a free initiative for low-income residents.

"This year's theme is 'One World, One House,'" said Deborah Mohlenhoff, assistant director of community service and leadership development, Ithaca College. "As a nation, we will be celebrating the inauguration of Barack Obama as the 44th president of the United States and first African-American elected to that office. The message behind 'One World, One House' encourages us all to live and learn as one and also coincides with this historic national event."