Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a nationally recognized Day of Service. Think of it as “a day on, not a day off.” Let’s make it a priority to walk the walk and honor the legacy of Dr. King this month (and always!). If you need ideas, have a look at these special volunteer opportunities and places to volunteer with kids near you. And you can also check out what’s going on in Dallas for MLK Day.
January 3 – 17
Winter Coat Drive | McKinney
Get your friends and neighbors involved! Love Life Foundation is collecting new and gently worn coats for children and adults in need. Drop off donations at the Brandon Tomes Volkswagen showroom. Don’t forget to snap a picture with the Love Life bug before you leave!
January 8
Diversity Celebration | Plano
Plano ISD invites you to their 38th Annual MLK Diversity Celebration, a tribute to the enduring influence of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. This annual event will highlight the talents of Plano students and leadership who promote diversity within Plano schools and our community.
January 9 – 15
Dream the Impossible Dream | Dallas
The City of Dallas will host its 42nd annual celebration of the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with a weeks’ worth of events. A Day of Prayer, a Day of Service, a Wreath Laying Ceremony, Job Fair, Equity Symposium, Youth Summit, and Scholarship & Awards Gala make this a week-long celebration. Last but not least, the annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Parade will be on January 15. See below for more information on the parade!
January 10
Beloved Community Virtual Youth Book Reading and Puppetry Presentation | Remote
Young readers will join Linzy Binzy as she travels Around the World with Friends. “Loving the Skin We’re In” is a fantastic adventure that will take readers to countries like Scotland, India, Brazil, China, Peru, and Liberia as the characters celebrate their differences and their beautiful skin. Best of all, you can enjoy this story time and puppet show without leaving the house! 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
January 12
Annual MLK Jr. Oratory Competition | Dallas
Eight students in grades four and five are finalists in Dallas ISD’s 32nd annual MLK Jr. Oratory Competition, co-sponsored by Foley & Lardner LLP. This event, at SMU’s McFarlin Auditorium, will be streamed online. Finalists deliver three-to-five-minute speeches about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy. 11:00 a.m.
January 13
Keep Up the Dream MLK Fest 2024 | Dallas
The Mission Continues honors Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy of service by joining forces with the MLK Clean Team Initiative to clean up the South Dallas Fair Park neighborhood. Join this annual rewarding experience, get your hands dirty, and clean up our beautiful city. Register at the link. 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
January 13
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Celebration | Rowlett
The City of Rowlett Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Commission is hosting their 3rd Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Community Event. This celebration will include passionate speakers, performers, vendors, and a “Continuing the Dream Contest” for local students. Visit the link above to enter the contest! 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
>> RELATED READ :: Explaining MLK Day to Kids :: 3 Life Lessons from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Life & Legacy <<
January 15
2024 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Parade | Dallas
As mentioned above, the City of Dallas and H.E.L.P. (Hope. Encourage. Love. Protect.) invite you to the annual parade featuring more than 200 entries from community organizations, church groups, youth groups, and nonprofits to bands, drill teams, colorful floats, and much more. 10:00 a.m.
January 15
MLK Day of Service | Grapevine
Register at the link to volunteer with Grapevine Parks & Recreation. Projects include litter pickup in parks and green spaces, plus general beautification projects. 9:00 – 11:00 a.m.
More Ways to Volunteer . . .
The Ronnia Langston Foundation is a local organization in need of youth (ages 16 and up) and adult volunteers to help support its mission of positive youth development. Fill out an online application to volunteer for community service projects, mentoring, and more.
Points of Light Global Network runs Engage, a platform for connecting community members with volunteer opportunities. Enter your zip code at the link to find a variety of volunteer opportunities.
JustServe helps connect you with organizations like the International Rescue Committee, Lovepacs, All Community Food Pantry in Allen, Samaritan Inn in McKinney, Grace Bridge Food Bank in Celina, and other local groups doing great work. You can even search for virtual volunteer opportunities.
Are you involved with any youth groups, scouts, dance teams, athletics, etc.? Plan your own service project with the help of AmeriCorp. Use these volunteer project ideas and tips to get started. You can even register your project for greater visibility. Be sure to use #MLKDay when you register, so volunteers can find your event!
On that note, Youth Service America has an MLK Day of Service hub that’s FULL of resources to help you create projects and get kids engaged.
>> RELATED READ :: How to Volunteer with Kids in Collin County <<
