Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
Every January, Americans get what Coretta Scott King calls "...not a day off-- a day on!" Sicne The King Holiday and Service Act of 1994, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day has become an opportunity for "people from all walks of life" to come
together "to address issues of community concerned. This service day is sponsored by the Corporation for National Service, the The King Center and others.
National Volunteer Week
National Volunteer Week, sponsored by the Points of Light Foundation, takes place during April every year. It's a chance for communities across the nation to take time to appreciate and recognize the efforts of their volunteers. It's also a time to promote the importance of volunteerism. Here is a sample proclamation you can use as a guide in declaring
National Volunteer Week in your community.
Make A Difference Day
Celebrated on the third Saturday of October,
Make A Difference Day is
the nation's largest day of service. Every year, millions of Americans work on day-long projects to brighten their communities. Make A Difference Day is sponsored by USA WEEKEND and the Points of Light Foundation. Area Wal-Mart provides money for local organizations to carry out their activities, and national awards are given out for the best projects.
National and local service days are a wonderful opportunity to join like-minded individuals in doing a day-long project that will enhance your community. (If you are interested in organizing a project in your area, see the Special Event Planning articles for help on how to get started). Depending on the amount of time and manpower you have to work with, possible projects include blood/toy/food/clothing/blanket, house painting/restoration, or a special event that brings different groups together. Here are a few examples of simple, yet highly effective, service day projects:
- Extra Mile and middle schools in Shreveport, LA held a Bedding and Blanket Drive for area homeless shelters.
- VISTAs in Marshall County organized a "Sweep and Swap" Project. They inviting different youth groups to clean up the city parks by painting the benches, swings, and picnic tables. The younger children picked up trash and rake leaves. The youth were rewarded with a snack and swim.
- Delaware County schools, businesses, and organizations were involved in a "Hair Rally". A "cut-a-thon" and other events were held to benefit Locks of Love, which makes wigs for people who have lost their hair due to sickness, and the American Cancer Society.
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