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How to Serve on MLK Day of Service

Meggan Franks

In 1983, legislation made the third Monday in January a Federal Holiday to celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Junior. People all over the U.S. celebrate this day with speeches, parades, and marches to honor the late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

In 1994, Congress passed the King Holiday and Service Act, known as Martin Luther King Jr. Day, dedicated to service. This day is dedicated to volunteer service within your community to honor King's legacy. MLK Day of service empowers people around the country to come together within their community. Together they might volunteer at a shelter, deliver meals, collect food or clothes, or help with some service to better their community. Serving the needs of others is a way to help celebrate the work and empowerment Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. dedicated his life.

MLK Day is January 17, 2022. Make MLK Day a day on and not a day off.

Within any community, there are several ways you can serve and make an impact to better the people in your town.

Ways to volunteer and serve your community safely on MLK Day

  • leave kind messages with chalk on the sidewalk for essential workers
  • host a supply drive and donate toiletries and other items to your local homeless shelter
  • write letters to local first responders and individuals serving overseas
  • fill a pair of new socks with granola bars and water bottles to give individuals in need
  • rake leaves or complete housework for the elderly around your neighborhood
  • volunteer at the animal shelter to help clean up, socialize with animals, and groom them
  • collect books and magazines to donate to local shelters
  • collect old eyeglasses and send them to people in assisted living
  • clean up trash and other debris in local parks or other community locations
  • volunteer at a local school to become a tutor
  • collect blankets and towels to bring to the animal shelter
  • conduct a 4-H project demonstration and share with your 4-H program
  • contact local non-profits and community agencies in your area and see what other ways you can serve your community

For more ways to serve, visit Youth Service America dot org, or contact your local 4-H agent.

Log your MLK Day impact to earn a service certificate

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1/14/2022 6:33:40 PM
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