The Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. said, “Everybody can be great, because everybody can serve.â€
As we prepare to honor the life and works of the slain civil right leader with the National Day of Service on Jan. 18, and against the backdrop of global relief efforts in the aftermath of the devastating earthquake in Haiti, BlackEnterprise.com asks, “How will you serve?â€
There are countless community service projects available, not just next week, but throughout the year. Opportunities listed below are searchable by zip code at the various Websites.
Find events at MLKDay.gov, which also has suggestions on organizing a volunteer project and fundraising. There are also resource guides for school and orgranizations, examples of projects. Serve.gov, also run by the federal government, has service opportunities ranging from feeding the hungry and refurbishing local schools to weatherizing homes and providing employment counseling.
Habitat for Humanity International recognizes King’s legacy of service by working to eliminate poverty housing with their “Building on the Dream†project. Opportunities include sealing air leaks, weatherization, insulation, and repairing duct work.
The NAACP is holding events nationwide. Volunteer opportunities include blood drives, advocacy workshops, and food distribution programs for the homeless.
The New York City Coalition Against Hunger is sponsoring its 7th annual “Serve-a-Thon†to commemorate King’s anti-poverty legacy. Volunteers are needed to help 1,200 city-wide food pantries & soup kitchens.
You can also visit VolunteerMatch, AARP Foundation, and Allstate, for more projects seeking volunteers.
Elsewhere, the RainbowPUSH Coalition will host a scholarship breakfast, and Rev. Al Sharpton is taking a mercy mission to Haiti in honor of King.