If you have Martin Luther King, Jr. day off from work, the folks at United Way of Southwest Michigan are encouraging you to turn that day into a “day on” instead of a “day off.” They’re hoping you will help them celebrate the occasion as an MLK Day of Service.
On January 15, many area residents will be making the annual Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday a ‘day on’ instead of a day off. The MLK Day of Service inspires thousands of people to defy the cold and serve others in ways ranging from providing meals, holding food, diaper, or coat drives, or just getting out and helping people in their neighborhood.
For many, this federal holiday, established as a national day of service by Congress in 1994, has become the perfect opportunity for Americans to honor Dr. King’s legacy through service. People of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities throughout the community will come together on this day to serve others.
As Anna Murphy, President of the United Way of SW Michigan says, “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, what are you doing for others? This was one of Martin Luther King Jr.’s famous quotes. This is something we asked ourselves at United Way – how are we using this Day of Service to help others?”
United Way of Southwest Michigan is inspiring the community to get involved on January 15th by engaging in a volunteer event. The local non-profit that serves Berrien and Cass Counties has set up a webpage with a list of volunteer ideas, from organizing a food drive to gathering a group to shovel snow for seniors. Here’s a direct link to the web address that you can click for those ideas and more: http://www.uwsm.org/mlkday
United Ways Murphy says, “Many people would like to help on MLK Day but lack the guidance or information on how to get involved,” adding, “We hope we can help steer people in the right direction so they can get out there and make a difference.”
You are also invited to email or call United Way’s Volunteer Engagement Manager, Julee Laurent, with questions or for help with your project: julee.laurent@uwsm.org or 269-932-2566.
United Way of Southwest Michigan fights for the health, education and financial stability of every person in every community. They do this by Living United. By forging unlikely partnerships. By finding new solutions to old problems. And by mobilizing the best resources.
