Monday is a day off of school but for many families, including mine, it’s a day ON service. On Monday January 15th 2024 we celebrate Martin Luther King Jr day. Volunteering is a great way to honor the legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr and to instill the core value of service with our kids.
Martin Luther King Jr (From his “Drum Major Instinct ” speech)
Two years ago, I decided to not treat this as just another “day off” of school. I actively looked for service projects I could participate in WITH my son. Now it has become a family tradition and if you are interested in starting this tradition for your family, you are in the right place.
I have gathered volunteer opportunities for you to gather your family and be in service together.
MLK DAY OF SERVICE: City Year Chicago and the Metropolitan Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Inc are coming together for a day of service through a beautification project at Herzl School of Excellence on Chicago’s West Side. Children over 5 are welcomed with a parent. Full disclosure, the principal of Herzl is my cousin and an amazing educator. I am excited to see her school receive so much love and reflect the beauty of the hard work of her and her team. Register Here
Chicago Bears Community Wellness Day: This MLK Community Wellness Day is to promote and provide access to holistic community wellness. Presented by “Wellness Jill” this day is perfect for your High School Students. Not only will they have a chance to serve but participate in fitness and wellness class. One lucky student will walk away with a $400 Goat gift card to purchase a pair of Jordan’s and signed Chicago Bears gear. That should DEFINITELY be enough motivation to get your teen out of the house! Register Here
MLK Jr Basic Needs Drive: This drive thru option is perfect families who are short on time or like me, with busy busy toddlers (Hey Jam)! Between 10a-2p you can drive thru and drop off well needed items for other Chicago families. Share our Spare, Cradles to Crayons and Nourshing Hope have comprised a list you can find HERE. Simply pull up and drop off. No registration needed!
MLK Day of Service: TOGETHER “We Are One”: Alpha Kappy Alpha Sorority Incorporated Chi Omega and Tau Mu Chapters in partnership with Imani Pearls Communtity Development Foundation are hosting a day of service in the Hyde Park neighborhood at Kenwood Academy. Perfect for families with middle and high schoolers. The event is from 10a-2p full of service, workshops and panel discussions. If you have a student that is interested in youth leadership, this is the perfect opportunity. Register HERE.
Love Fridge: The Love Fridge is a Chicago mutual aid group grounded in food, working to sustain community refrigerators all around the city. The Love Fridge has a special place in our family’s heart. We have used this as an ongoing service project. What has worked for us is visiting our local grocery store and filling up a bag per child full of groceries. While you are shopping you can have age appropriate conversations around food insecurities. This is community in action. Find your local Love Fridge HERE.
Well, “Sing Sing Celebrate” as you celebrate the amazing life and legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King.