Do something

During the 1950s and ’60s, civil rights leader Martin Luther King, Jr. recognized the power of service to strengthen communities and achieve common goals. Initiated by Congress in 1994, King Day of Service builds on that that legacy by transforming the federal holiday honoring Dr. King into a national day of community service grounded in his teachings of nonviolence and social justice. The aim is to make people of all ages and backgrounds come together to improve lives, bridge social barriers, and move our nation closer to the “Beloved Community” that Dr. King envisioned.

With thousands of projects planned across the country, the 2009 King Day of Service on January 19 promises to be the biggest and best ever! And, it's the day before the Inauguration of President-elect Barack Obama. The President-elect will participate in community service on King Day and is asking Americans to serve on the holiday and make an ongoing commitment to service. If you’ve never done community service before, don’t be afraid…there are tons of things you can do…even some from your own home, to give back. Contact your local hospital, rescue squad, fire department, animal shelter, soup kitchen, homeless shelter, or community center for ideas.

The best part is, your children can participate with you! Be sure to get them involved so they can continue to participate in community service as they grow up.