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

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.