Local Goodwill organizations across the country will recognize Martin Luther King (MLK) Day this Monday. This holiday celebrates the life and achievements of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., one of America’s most prominent civil rights leaders.
In addition to being a federal holiday, MLK Day is also designated as a national day of service. Started in 1986 this day of service takes place each year on the third Monday in January. For many Americans MLK Day represents a “day on, not a day off,” as they go into their neighborhoods and communities looking for volunteer and service opportunities.
The MLK Day of Service is a part of Serve.gov, an initiative overseen by the Corporation for National and Community Service. On this day presidents from all political parties have encouraged Americans to observe this day with appropriate civic, community, and service projects in honor of Dr. King.
Goodwill Industries has a proud history of service and volunteering. Created in 1902 by volunteers who took the idea of collecting used clothes, providing jobs to people who repaired them, and sold the items to fund services to the most vulnerable populations. The mission of Goodwill has held strong for 110 years through the service provided by leadership and staff, the volunteer efforts of board members, advocates, and others, and the generosity of our donors who support the donated goods enterprise.
In this spirit of service and in commemoration of Dr. Martin Luther King Day, Goodwill Industries International invites all to participate in this year’s day of service activities. To find volunteer opportunities, visit the Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service website.
In the words of Dr. Martin Luther King, “Everyone can be great, because everyone can serve.” Local Goodwill organizations have volunteer opportunities as well which you learn about here, or you can volunteer your voice and be a Goodwill advocacy by registering for our Legislative Action Center.
Dr. King has also said,” Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.” Those words ring true when considering the value of communicating concerns to lawmakers on issues of importance to local Goodwill organization and those who benefit from their services.
