MLK Day of Service
Observed each year on the third Monday in January, MLK Day is the only federal holiday designated as a national day of service to encourage all Americans to volunteer to improve their communities. It’s also a day to learn more about Martin Luther King, Jr., and explore other thought-provoking artists and conversations. People all across the Commonwealth will join in to clean up, build, and improve public spaces for all to enjoy. Here’s a few examples with links you can check out and sign up!
In Hampton, residents will be celebrating the annual MLK Day of Service. This will give people a chance to bridge the gap within their community — bringing them closer together, as Dr. King encouraged. One event will be held on Jan. 17th at Buckroe Baptist Church at 1819 N. Mallory Street. It is being hosted by the “Made to Flourish” group that gathers local churches, resource partners and community volunteers. Registration is required.
Virginia Tech will be hosting a Jazz Brunch, as well as a series of virtual events featuring guests such as Fania E. Davis, a leading national voice on restorative justice, and renowned musician and activist Angélique Kidjo. For more information, click here.
Virginia State University says Volunteers are needed to ensure campus is beautiful for the start of the semester. Volunteers will be picking up trash along the ravine. Work gloves and trash grabbers will be provided.
There are several volunteer opportunities available on the Volunteer Alexandria website. There will even be Zoom events touted as a multi-day, multi-track, multi-session event.
Pathways’ YouthBuild students is an opportunity for youth aged 17-24. They will lead volunteers in community gardening projects, cleanups, and beautification efforts in a low-income community. Project Tasks include building and installing new raised beds for a community garden, and removing trash from around vacant homes.
And if you’re not comfortable joining a group to volunteer, you can “Do It Yourself” at home by creating Personal Care Kits for the homeless through this HandsOn Greater Richmond opportunity. Volunteers purchase supplies and complete the kits in their own space, then drop off completed projects at designated days and times.
You can join all those who will volunteer their time in honor of MLK Day. As he so beautifully said, “Everybody can be great, because anybody can serve.” -Martin Luther King, Jr.