MLK Day Is More Than One Day

Dunmore, Wv – January 17th, 2011 marks the 25th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr Day. The legislation to create a holiday marking the birthday of Dr. King was finally passed in 1983, and the first observance of the federal holiday was in 1986. It’s also celebrated as a day of service, the only federal holiday so designated – a day on, rather than a day off.

The MLK Day of Service is part of United We Serve, the Presidents national call to service. But service to others in your community is not just limited to one day. The Corporation for National and Community Service is also launching the MLK 25 Challenge. It’s a call to Americans to honor Dr. King by pledging to take at least 25 actions during 2011 to make a difference for others and strengthen our communities.

Here are some simple service ideas you can do throughout the year:

Send a letter or care package to a soldier deployed overseas
Drive a Veteran or military family member to a medical appointment
Donate to your local food bank
Deliver meals to homebound senior citizens
Share your technology skills with a non-profit organization that needs it
Become a mentor or tutor
Assemble emergency supply kits
Or make quilts or blankets for hospitalized children or wounded soldiers

You’ll find these suggestions as well as many more at www.mlkday.gov.