Volunteers at a previous MLK Day of Service.
As you wrap gifts for family and friends this holiday, a local organization hopes you will consider giving back to your community, as well, in the coming year.
The annual Central Pennsylvania MLK Day of Service will commence on Jan. 17, providing those with the holiday off from work a chance to volunteer locally.
“The legacy of MLK is so big,” said Heather MacDonald, a board member for the day of service committee. “You can show up and be a part of something bigger.”
Every year, on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the committee encourages people to spend the holiday serving. Last year, the event was largely virtually due to the pandemic.
This year, their theme is “The Beloved Community: Ensuring Affordable Housing and Accessible Health Care.” Activities will be in-person and virtual.
“Housing and health is the perfect theme,” MacDonald said. “After COVID, that is what we are all thinking about. Shining a spotlight on it is going to be really important.”
The day will kick off with an opening ceremony at 9 a.m. at Hamilton Health Center at 110 S. 17th St. in Harrisburg, which will also be live-streamed on Facebook. Then, groups will split off to volunteer around the central PA region in various capacities related to housing and healthcare needs.
Volunteer projects include tasks like creating packs of essential items for the unhoused, creating care packages for children in the hospital and working to prepare people’s homes for the winter weather.
Organizations can also sign up to have volunteers assist them with a project.
Throughout the day, the Day of Service committee will hold virtual and in-person workshops and webinars on topics such as first-time home buying and aging in place.
A vaccine clinic and blood drive will take place, as well.
Giant is a sponsor for the event, and MacDonald said that they are still looking for more sponsors and donors.
“It’s going to be a really good use of your time,” MacDonald said. “It amplifies and grows every year.”
To view volunteer opportunities or for more information about the Central Pennsylvania MLK Day of Service, visit their website.
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