Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was one of America’s greatest leaders. This upcoming Monday, January 17th, 2011 marks the national holiday to celebrate his birthday. (What makes it even more special is that this Monday marks the 25th anniversary of the holiday!) What better way is there to remember him by than doing some community service? I can’t think of anything! People across the nation celebrate MLK Day by making it a day of service. So, if you are going to be in the LA area, get moving! Pick up a shovel, a paintbrush, or just roll up your sleeves. Here are five events you can get involved in:
1. Rosemont Elementary School Revitalization
This event is sure to be a big one. They are
expecting 1,000 community and corporate volunteers to help revitalize Rosemont Elementary School, a Title I school in
Los Angeles. So, if you want to help, sign
up fast! Children as young as 5 years old
are welcomed to be volunteers, and there
will be live music all throughout the day!
(Thanks to HOT 92.3FM and Shepard Fairey
AKA DJ Diabetic.) Sign up so you can get
moving to the music while you paint and plant!
2. Blood Drive at Cedars-Sinai
Did you know that January is National Blood Donor Month? Los Angeles is a city that is always in vital need of blood, especially during the winter months. So, why not get moving to Cedars-Sinai and donate? You could help save a life! Not only does this blood drive boast of comfy lounge chairs and flatscreen TVs, but you get a free t-shirt and free movie ticket if you participate. Talk about living the life of luxury!
3. 23rd Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Peace & Unity Parade Celebration
Long Beach will be having a parade in honor of Rev. Dr. King on Saturday, January 15th. If you are at least 16 years old, volunteer and you can be a part of the fun! There is a need for general parade volunteers to clean up, set up, assist, etc. There will also be the Annual Kingdom Day Parade taking place on Monday, January 17th. The parade starts at 11 AM at the corner of Martin Luther King Boulevard and Western Avenue. The floats and marching bands go towards Crenshaw, and the parade ends in a festival. Sounds like fun!
4. MLK Day Operation Hangar Cleanup
Operation Hangar Cleanup is an event taking place in Compton. By helping to clean, paint, and organize, volunteers will be helping to prepare a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) lab. This lab’s purpose will be that at-risk youth can use it as an after-school and weekend safe haven. Have some time to help on Monday? Volunteers must be at least 18 years old and commit to at least an hour of service.
5. Send Care Packages to U.S. Troops
If you are 12 or older, head over to Van Nuys either Saturday or
Monday from 9AM-4PM so that you can help Operation Gratitude.
They will be preparing and packing care packages for troops deployed overseas. Even just an hour of your time spent helping
to move this project along can bring smiles to countless military members.
Are you helping out at any other events?
We’d love to hear about them!
Can’t make any of these? Visit MLKDay.gov to
find an event near you!