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Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Weekend of Service Brings out Best in Friends and Neighbors

"I Have a Dream" is a public speech delivered by American civil rights activist Martin Luther King Jr. during the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom on August 28, 1963, in which he calls for an end to racism in the United States and called for civil and economic rights.

Portland, OR. In 1963, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his “I Have a Dream” speech and called for an end to racism in the United States. 54 years later, the Weekend of Service honoring MLK is on track to be the most popular, yet. Volunteer shifts in Portland on Friday and Saturday were filled with friends and neighbors. The United Way of the Columbia-Willamette and Hands On Greater Portland still have a few opportunities for Sunday and Monday, which can be seen by clicking here. Volunteers say they continue to be inspired by King’s legacy.

On October 14, 1964, King received the Nobel Peace Prize for combating racial inequality through nonviolent resistance.

King was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom and the Congressional Gold Medal.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day was established as a holiday in numerous cities and states beginning in 1971, and as a U.S. federal holiday in 1986.

Taking place each year on the third Monday in January, the MLK Day of Service is the only federal holiday observed as a national day of service – a “day on, not a day off.” The MLK Day of Service is a part of Serve.gov, the President’s national call to service initiative. It calls for Americans from all walks of life to work together to provide solutions to our most pressing national problems. The MLK Day of Service empowers individuals, strengthens communities, bridges barriers, creates solutions to social problems, and moves us closer to Dr. King’s vision of a “Beloved Community.”

This year, United Way’s board members and staff pitched in this #MLK2018 by sorting clothing, organizing and helping clean at Human Solutions.

Umpqua Bank volunteers were lending a hand at Chelsea Hicks Foundation.

Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Oregon volunteers were creating Street Care Kits with Impact NW for people experiencing homelessness.

Volunteers from U.S. Bank were at Native American Youth and Family Center organizing their Clothing Closet and the children’s library which is part of NAYA’s After School program.

Volunteers from adidas Originals were lending a hand at Dress for Success Oregon.

Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Oregon is the Presenting Sponsor and employees were volunteering at Meals on Wheels.

Here are some other volunteer options for Sunday and Monday organized by The United Way of the Columbia-Willamette and Hands On Greater Portland.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 14TH

Beaverton
1:00am Knit for Newborns (age 6+)

Portland
10:00am DeRail the Nails: An Adventure in Sustainable Salvage (age 14+)

3:00pm Potluck in the Park Recycling and Clean Up Crew (age 16+)

Vancouver
10:00am YWCA Shelter Painting Project (age 18+)

MONDAY, JANUARY 15TH

Beaverton
9:30am Bink-A-Thon: Sewing Machine Blanket Brigade! (age 12+)
9:30am Bink-A-Thon: Make Blankets for Children! (age 5+)

Hillsboro
9:00am Spruce up the Hillsboro Library (age 5+) – FULL

Portland
9:00am Kids! Sort & Package Supplies for Families @ Buckman (age 4+)
9:00am Garden Clean Up Day at Gilbert Park (age 12+)
9:00am Join SOLVE to clean up MLK Blvd! (age 16+)
9:00am Weatherize Homes with the Community Energy Project (age 18+) – FULL
9:00am Spruce Up the Hansen Shelter (age 18+)

Tigard
2:00pm Pitch-in at Tigard Library! (age 10+)

Vancouver
9:00am MLK Day Ivy Pull at Blandford Canyon (age 9+)

Many other nonprofit organizations are offering volunteer opportunities. Here’s a link to a list for more ideas:

https://www.portlandsocietypage.com/partners/

Elisa Klein

I’ve been a professional journalist and writer since 1987, (and long-time reporter for KOIN-TV.) As a nationally published reporter, with a Master’s Degree in Journalism, I love to report positive news and information. Journalism has also connected me with another non-profit where I served as a leader; the Northwest’s biggest writer’s organization: The Willamette Writers.