Martin Luther King Jr. Day is Monday, and for years the day that honors the Civil Rights leader has also been known as a ‘day of service’ — a day for people across the country to get out in communities and give back, much in the way King did.
It’s no secret that the President and First Lady will be participating in this year’s MLK Day of Service. Last year Barak and Michelle Obama, along with their daughters, helped paint and organize the library of a local elementary and middle school. Because the president’s inauguration is slated for Monday, this year’s Day of Service is being recognized Saturday, when Obama and his family will no doubt be out in the community lending a hand and helping those in need.
But you don’t have to be the president to participate in the MLK Day of Service. Locally, the Bryan County Family Connection will be working on getting its new North Bryan Service Center ready to move in and is hosting a volunteer work day at 9 a.m. Saturday in celebration of National Day of Service. The building at 40 S. Industrial Blvd. in Pembroke, formerly Gateway CSB, will house Bryan Family Connection, United Way-Bryan County, Coastal Georgia Area CAA and other service agencies that serve local residents and is in need of cleaning, painting and some restoration. For more information on participating, call Wendy Sims at 653-3824.
In Savannah, First Nazareth Missionary Baptist Church will be preparing and serving 500 meals to those in need beginning at 9:30 a.m. Saturday. The church is at 1023 W. 44th St. in Savannah. For more information, call 695-9980.
Other churches in Bryan County and the surrounding areas may have volunteer events planned for Saturday as well. Check with your church and see if there is a way for you to get involved.
According to the MLK Day website, the Day of Service is meant to transform the reverend’s teachings into community action that helps solve social problems. Participating in service projects helps strengthen communities, so get out there and give back— this Saturday and throughout the year ahead.