King holiday can be springboard for service

‘Life’s most persistent and urgent question is: What are you doing for others?’ - Martin Luther King Jr. With the Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service just days away, the Corporation for National and Community Service is urging Americans to honor Dr. King’s memory and further his legacy by joining in service projects in their communities on the Jan. 18 King Holiday. Momentum is building for the annual day of service, with thousands of projects planned across the country. The corporation is leading the national effort, working in partnership with the King Center, nonprofit and faith-based groups, national service programs, and schools and businesses to encourage Americans to serve on the holiday and throughout the year. “Martin Luther King devoted his life to advancing equality, social justice, and opportunity for all, and taught us that everyone has a role to play in making America what it ought to be,” said Nicola Goren, the corporation’s acting CEO. “By making King Day ‘a day on, not a day off,’ and using the holiday as a springboard for service throughout the year, we can renew our communities and our country as we help realize Dr. King’s dream of building the Beloved Community.” Americans are encouraged to visit Serve.gov/mlkday to find volunteer opportunities in their communities or to create their own projects. Service opportunities range from feeding the hungry and refurbishing local schools to weatherizing homes and providing employment counseling. Many organizations use the day to recruit volunteers to serve throughout the year.