As one of the most influential figures in history and the epitome of what it means to serve, Martin Luther King Jr. should act as a constant reminder of why it’s important to give back to our communities and help those in need. On MLK Day —the only federal holiday designated as a National Day of Service to encourage all of us to volunteer to improve our communities —pay homage to an individual who dedicated his life to bettering our world by taking the small step of bettering your local community. Here are 13 ways to volunteer your time and resources on Monday, January 16, 2023, Martin Luther King Jr. Day. And for even more volunteer services, visit AmeriCorps.gov to find opportunities near you.
1. MLK Day of Service 2023 Painting Business Corridor Trash Cans (Long Beach, California)
This Monday, the Santa Fe Business Corridor needs your help to help brighten up the community. By painting creative designs on trash cans placed throughout the city, you can help beautify and serve the Long Beach community.
2. MLK Day of Service 2023 Foster Youth Supply Drive (Long Beach, California)
To help those who may not be fortunate this winter season, Cal State Long Beach needs volunteers to help package basic-need items and school supplies for 80 Guardian Scholars, a program the school puts on to help foster youths seeking education. As many foster youths who reach 18 must suddenly become financially independent, this is your chance to serve underprivileged members of your community seeking help.
3. 2023 MLK Day Painting Volunteers (New York City)
LIFE Progressive Services Group needs help repainting its offices to make them look fresh and revamped for those reentering society from incarceration — an easy way to help bring joy to those seeking a second chance in life.
4. Big Sunday’s 11th Annual MLK Day Clothing Drive 2023 (Los Angeles)
Assist Big Sunday with its annual MLK Day Clothing Drive. It’s much more than a simple donation drive, and there will also be a full day’s worth of activities and entertainment to bring the community closer together. Check out the six ways you can participate via the link above.
5. MLK Day of Service 2023 Baby Tree Watering Project (Long Beach, California)
In November, the Baby Tree Watering Project planted more than 100 new trees on the west side of Long Beach, California. Now, they’re looking to nurture them via volunteers to help fill water bags, water baby trees, and record the trees’ moisture levels. Aside from providing oxygen and shade to the residents of the area, these trees also give homes to the wildlife in the community.
6. Feeding Westchester 2023 MLK Day of Service (New York City)
With so many options and levels of volunteering, there is something for everyone looking to volunteer at Feeding Westchester, from raising donations to helping pack pre-prepped meals to distributing meals, or even just donating food to the distribution centers.
7. 2023 MLK Day of Service Community Clean Up With the Pasadena-Altadena Community Youth Association (Los Angeles, California)
Not only will you have the opportunity to help keep the streets clean by weeding vegetation and collecting trash, but you will also be able to provide guidance to homeless and at-risk youths.
8. Step Up Tutoring MLK Day of Service Event #MLK
Volunteers from anywhere in the world can participate as virtual tutors and mentors for third to sixth graders in under-resourced communities. In an effort to honor Dr. King, Step Up Tutoring hopes to bridge the gap for underprivileged students to provide equal opportunity to all children wanting to learn.
9. MLK Day — A Day On Not a Day Off at Christian City (Union City, Atlanta)
Aside from serving and helping others, Christian City hopes to bring a closer-knit sense of community for all residents, whether young or old, by bringing people together to help with its community garden, assist with seniors, and help where needed at Christian City’s Children’s Village.
10. Thrift Store Associates — St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store, Lawrenceville (Atlanta)
With the season of giving still in full swing, St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store is looking for volunteers to help with the distribution of many of its donated items. As many people are looking for help during this cold season, volunteers can expect to help sort, label, and hang items to make them easier to find throughout the store.
11. MLK Day of Service 2023 With USC and LA Works at the L.A. Coliseum (Los Angeles)
Filled with panel discussions from experts and sustainable-food samples, this event from USC and LA Works looks to honor Dr. King’s legacy by bringing awareness to food and climate injustice, two issues that future generations are facing.
12. Community Conservation at Langdon Park (Washington, D.C.)
Casey Trees will be removing invasive plants from their beautiful park, and volunteers with a strong willingness to help combat climate change can expect on-site training and tools provided to get the job done!
13. MLK Peace Walk and Parade (Washington, D.C.)
As this celebration of Dr. King’s life is completely based on volunteer work, the city of Washington, D.C., needs you to get involved to make sure this necessary event takes place. From 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., volunteers can sign up for a multitude of positions ranging from setup and general parade support to marshaling and cleanup. Instead of simply watching from the sidelines, be the change that honors the legacy of Dr. King.
Samuel Lao is the Editorial Assistant at Shondaland, writing stories about various topics like music, lifestyle, and wellness. Follow him on Twitter @sammlao and on Instagram @sam.lao.
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