On Monday, January 17, we celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Today more than ever his message resonantes more than ever: embracing the differences of others, peacefully bringing positive change to our country and building a “Beloved Community” by serving each other and lifting up those in need.

The MLK Day holiday is more than a day to commemorate the work of a visionary man, it is a federal holiday designated as a National Day of Service. All Americans are officially called into action; to make it a “Day On not a Day Off.” Now more than ever our service is needed. The COVID-19 pandemic has created increased need in communities across the U.S. and has exacerbated the very inequities Dr. King fought against. So many of our neighbors are facing food insecurity for the first time. Remote learning and work closures have stressed children and parents alike, but lower income families have been hit hardest. And our seniors to whom COVID is most deadly, may struggle to safely get the food, medicine and supplies that they need. In the face of the new and strong COVID resurgence, MLK Day 2022 is perfectly timed to remind us to to recommit to volunteerism and to plan how we will help build a stronger local community on MLK Day and throughout the year.

So, how will you choose to serve this MLK Day? You can search volunteer opportunities in your area on Volunteer Match or Americorps. Thanks to technology, there are ways you can support your favorite nonprofit and take part in service on MLK Day right from your own home. Whether you volunteer in-person at an MLK Day volunteer event, organize or contribute to a virtual event, or commit to a future act of service, we encourage you to do something for your community in honor of MLK.

YouGiveGoods celebrates the efforts of all those who will take part in the 2022 MLK Day of Service. We can’t wait to hear about all the good deeds done in the name of the great man we honor on January 17.