MLK Day

MCSC Supporting 19 Volunteer Projects for MLK DAY

To honor the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr., the Michigan Community Service Commission is supporting 19 volunteer projects across the state that will engage more than 5,000 volunteers in nearly 13,000 service hours. Projects will address community needs such as food insecurity, homelessness, environmental stewardship and supporting youth.

“Serving others carries on the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.,” said Ginna Holmes, executive director of the Michigan Community Service Commission. “We are proud to support organizations across the state to engage volunteers in helping communities.

On a day that typically signifies time off for reflection, local organizations are hoping community members will come together with them for good.

“The United Way of Genesee County has over 500 community members joining us for a Day on, rather than a Day off this MLK Day (Jan. 20),” said Diane Woodruff, the organization’s Volunteer Coordinator.

“Working to fight food insecurity in our community, where nearly 1 in 5 residents struggle with food insecurity, we will pack 200,000 meals that will be distributed to local grassroots food pantries at churches, schools, and community centers,” said Woodruff.

Symantha Dattilo, the Assistant Director of the Mary Ellen Brandell Volunteer Center at Central Michigan University, also believes MLK Day is a day on that can also act as a day of reflection and education. CMU is hosting a variety of service projects on Jan. 20.

“This event is an opportunity for the CMU and Mt. Pleasant communities to come together in service of organizations in our local area and around the state to do projects that include fleece blanket making for children in foster care, decorating lunch bags for children with food insecurity, and writing thank you letters for nurses and veterans. This service day allows us all to connect more deeply with Dr. King’s message and legacy,” said Dattilo.

The Troy School District will host its annual citywide MLK Day of Service on Jan. 20. Its focus will be on giving back to youth patients at Troy Children’s Hospital and their caretakers by making tie blankets and packing activity bags.

“This event provides a powerful opportunity for our students and community to unite, build connections, and experience the profound joy of giving back. It’s a day that exemplifies Dr. King’s vision of service and unity, inspiring us all to strengthen our community and make a positive impact," said Troy School District Superintendent Dr. Rich Machesky.

To support these efforts, the Michigan Community Service Commission awarded over $12,000 in grants ranging from $100 to $1,000.

The grantees include: