Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service:
Life’s most persistent and urgent question is: “What are you doing for others?”
Honor a great man by considering his words this January 18 and partner with the Red Cross to find a way that you can help others.
In 1994 Martin Luther King, Jr. Day became more than a federal holiday but also a day of service. Congress passed the King Holiday and Service Act, designating it as a national day of volunteer service.
In 2009 record numbers were set as many heard the words of yet to be sworn in President Obama urging his fellow citizens to join him in the day of service. According to USAservice.org people came out to volunteer at more than 13,000 service projects across the country, which was more than double the number of 2008.
The Red Cross saw record numbers of people participating in volunteer events. Two of the most popular Red Cross events were giving blood and taking the on-line training program,”Be Red Cross Ready”
More than 2,600 chose “Be Red Cross Ready” over the four-day holiday weekend. This unique on-line training offered an alternative for folks who couldn’t go out in their communities to participate in other activities.
Giving blood was also a great way for volunteers to serve their community. Red Cross collected more than 21,000 blood donations on that Monday, and exceeded 57,000 blood donations over the four-day weekend. This was the highest number of blood donations on the King Day of Service in the last five years. Many of those who gave blood did so for the first time.
The Lakeland Chapter hopes its neighbors will build on the success of last year’s event and make it an even bigger turn-out this year. To help, we have created a list of possible ways you can help those in your community. Honor yourself and a great man by answering life’s most persistent and urgent question.
What Can You Be Doing for Others?
- Donate blood
- Take the “Be Red Cross Ready” on-line training
- Sign up for a CPR class
To find out about additional volunteer opportunities contact Jody Weyers, Volunteer Director at 920-227-4287 or weyersj@arclakeland.org.
Filed under: Volunteers | Tagged: King Holiday and Service Act, Martin Luther King Jr, Serve.gov, volunteer | Leave a Comment »
