Honoring a Legacy

The Story

It’s Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

Tell me more.

The federal holiday, observed on the third Monday in January, is a time to reflect on the civil rights leader’s legacy of equality and social justice. And something you might not know: MLK Day’s the only federal holiday designated by Congress as a national day of service. Aka, when Americans are encouraged to make a positive impact on their communities. Here are some ideas for doing just that, whether you plan to celebrate today or all year long.

If you’ve got time…A little goes a long way. In under an hour, you could assist people who have visual impairments with everyday tasks (think: reading a product label or picking out clothes) through the Be My Eyes app. Or you could write thoughtful letters to residents of assisted living facilities and care homes via Letters Against Isolation. If you have a bit more time, consider organizing an equity challenge for your company or team, preparing and serving meals at your local soup kitchen, pitching in at one of the country’s national parks or monuments, or helping kids and teens with schoolwork and college readiness workshops via Girls Inc. For more volunteer opportunities in your area, search here.

If you’ve got money to donate…Think about what matters most to you. That could mean contributing directly to The King Center, founded by MLK’s family to continue his legacy. Or if you’re passionate about education, help a local classroom through DonorsChoose. To support LGBTQIA+ youth, you might want to donate to The Trevor Project. If you love the outdoors, consider the Sierra Club. Whatever you decide, first make sure a charity is legit. Check sites like GuideStar, Charity Navigator, CharityWatch, or BBB Wise Giving Alliance — all of which compile information about charities’ transparency and spending habits. (Ideally, a charity should spend at least 75% of its budget on programs or initiatives, according to Charity Navigator.)

If you’ve got skills…Don’t be shy. If you’re crafty, put your knitting, quilting, or sewing hands to work making blankets for children’s hospitals, shelters, and service agencies through Project Linus. If you’re an avid runner, consider helping girls or disabled children and adults step up their own running game thanks to Girls on the Run and Achilles International, respectively. If you’re multilingual, help break (language) barriers through Translators without Borders.