Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. described a “fierce urgency of now” when he spoke at the March on Washington in 1963. Now, nearly 60 years later, his words have renewed meaning. They remind us we are stronger when we march forward, together.

In recognition of Dr. King’s legacy of service and leadership to gain equality for all Americans, Congress designated the Martin Luther King Jr. federal holiday as a national day of service in 1994. AmeriCorps leads the effort each year.

Observed each year on the third Monday in January — which falls on Jan. 17 in 2022 — the MLK Day of Service is the only federal holiday designated as a national day of service. Since its inception, MLK Day of Service has grown and its impact has increased as more Americans embraced the idea that citizenship involves taking an active role to make communities better. 

Serving on MLK Day can be an entry point for ongoing volunteer effort and help build connections that strengthen communities. Through service, we can build more equitable and just communities to underpin racial equity, expand civic opportunities, and foster respect for individual differences — all great lessons for our children. 

With that in mind, here are 3 family-friendly Day of Service opportunities in our community:

Do you know of a family-friendly or kid-friendly volunteer opportunity not listed here? Please Submit Your Event | Macaroni KID and we'll add it to our list!

Esther Gallow Memorial Community Garden

The Esther Gallow Memorial Community Garden will unite children and seniors along with members of the community that will plant and harvest fruits and vegetables. As Monroe Chamber President Roy Heatherly commented, “This community garden symbolizes what is going on in Monroe today.  A garden is a diverse being in and of itself with different plants growing, from seed to harvest.  In much the same way, Monroe is working to build stronger relationships between businesses, schools, and the community through beautiful concepts like this.”  Citizens from all over our community are invited to participate in the Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service. (Read more about this incredible project).

Event Details: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service - Esther Gallow Memorial Community Garden

43rd Annual Martin Luther King Jr., Birthday Salute

In recognition and tribute to the many contributions of Dr. King to our mutual history and our society, the City of Monroe is continuing with a tradition that was started years ago with the presentation of the James Sharp, Jr. Justice Award, the B. D. Robinson Unity Award, the W.  L. “Jack” Howard Public Service Award, the Nashall “Shack” Harris Humanitarian Award, the Morris Henry Carroll Education Award, the Lillie “Granny” Goins Community Service Award, and the Martin Luther King, Jr.  Trailblazer Award.

Jon Alston, a former NFL player, film director, and film producer will be the guest speaker for the event. The 2022 Theme is "Renewing Our Community Through Service".

Event Details: 43rd Annual Martin Luther King Jr., Birthday Salute

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service "Carrying on the Dream"
January 16th - 18th, 2022

Louisiana Tech University will host the "Carrying on a Dream" Dr. Martin  Luther King Jr. exhibit. Our University has the unique opportunity to share the exhibit, which features the 1966 hearse that transported Dr. King's body to its final resting place. The exhibit will tour throughout the state. Sponsored by the ULS Reginald F. Lewis Scholars Program.

Event Details: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service - Carrying on the Dream

For other volunteer ideas please go to: Volunteer Match

How kids can help ... from home

Want more ideas on how to give back to your community that you can do from home? Here are some age-appropriate ideas you can do from home:

Kindergarten - 2nd Grades

• Make cards or pictures for nursing home residents locally or find letter requests here! 
• Fill Little Free Libraries or Little Free Pantries
• Package care bags for people without housing or otherwise in need
• Collect old towels and blankets and deliver them to an animal shelter

3rd - 5th Grades

• Make easy, no-sew fleece blankets for children in local hospitals
• Collect and sort school supplies and create kits to benefit a local shelter or library
• Rake leaves or shovel snow for elderly or disabled neighbors
• Organize a sock drive and donate to those in need

6th Grade and Up

• Participate in charity walks or runs
• Foster a pet as a family
• Make and donate masks to local family shelters
• Start a club at your school that promotes volunteerism throughout the year
• Initiate a park clean up or beautification project
• Install a buddy bench at a school