Away From Inaugural, Minn. Heeds Call To Service

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Thousands of miles from Washington, Minnesota volunteers are hoping to get into the inaugural spirit with a series of community action events.

The committee organizing President Barack Obama's second-term inauguration has set Saturday as a National Day of Service. In Minnesota, that has translated into 31 planned events.

Some of the Minnesota activities are taking place in churches, bookstores, food shelves and homeless shelters. Others involve Habitat for Humanity building projects.

Nationwide, there are plans for more than 2,200 events.

Obama is formally sworn in on Monday.

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