Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. described a “fierce urgency of now” when he spoke at the March on Washington in 1963. Now, nearly 60 years later, his words have renewed meaning. They remind us we are stronger when we march forward, together.
In recognition of Dr. King’s legacy of service and leadership to gain equality for all Americans, Congress designated the Martin Luther King Jr. federal holiday as a national day of service in 1994. AmeriCorps leads the effort each year.
Observed each year on the third Monday in January — which falls on January 15, 2024 — the MLK Day of Service is the only federal holiday designated as a national day of service. Since its inception, MLK Day of Service has grown and its impact has increased as more Americans embraced the idea that citizenship involves taking an active role to make communities better.
We have a list below with links for you to review to find the right opportunity to volunteer at an event in our area this year.
 Image via AmeriCorps |
Louisiana 4H
My children have been involved with the Iberia Parish 4H organization through our Louisiana 4H organization for several years. They truly enjoy giving back and working with other local organizations in our community. I love the idea of horning MLK and his legacy with a day of giving back in our community. Whether you are part of an organization like 4H or not, you can always find way to participate in supporting our community in New Iberia. Check out this list of recommendations from Louisiana 4H organization that offer great ideas for your children to participate in giving back this year.
United Way of Acadiana
The United Way of Acadiana has an active list of volunteer events as well for families to find ways to give back this year as well. Even if you are not able to volunteer on MLK Day, you can pick another opportunity from their calendar and sign up to show your support.
AmeriCorps
AmeriCorps offers local communities the opportunity to partner with other organizations to serve in programs, events, and other activities. Just simply enter the name of the city or zip code of the area where you are wanting to volunteer to find an active list of opportunities. AmeriCorps also has information specific to participating in the MLK Day of Service as well as tips and resources you can use to be of service in your community.
VolunteerMatch
VolunteerMatch offers users the ability to find volunteer opportunities that fit your specific talents for both virtual and in-person events. Simply fill in the criteria and search for the opportunity that will work the best for you and your family.
You can also reach out to local senior living homes, homeless shelters, hospitals, mom groups, local non profits, animal shelters and our local schools. Our local United Way of Acadiana and other agencies such as Families Helping Families, Goodwill of Acadiana and ARC of Acadiana also maintain a local list of volunteer opportunities and needs for New Iberia and surrounding communities.
The King Center
The King Center offers a deep dive into the life of Martin Luther King, Jr., his works, his philosophy and showcases events around the country. You can find volunteer events, celebrations, summits and community resources to continue the non-violence legacy that was left for us by his work.
Serving on MLK Day can be an entry point for ongoing volunteer effort and help build connections that strengthen communities. Through service we can build more equitable and just communities to underpin racial equity, expand civic opportunities, and foster respect for individual differences — all great lessons for our children.
 Image by CanvaPro |
How Kids Can Help From Home
Want more ideas on how to give back to your community that you can do from home? Here are some age-appropriate ideas you can do from home:
Kindergarten - 2nd Grades
- Make cards or pictures for nursing home residents locally or find letter requests here!
- Fill Little Free Libraries or Little Free Pantries
- Package care bags for people without housing or otherwise in need
- Collect old towels and blankets and deliver to an animal shelter
3rd - 5th Grades
- Make easy, no-sew fleece blankets for children in local hospitals
- Collect and sort school supplies and create kits to benefit a local shelter or library
- Rake leaves or shovel snow for elderly or disabled neighbors
- Organize a sock drive and donate to those in need
6th Grade and Up
- Participate in charity walks or runs
- Foster a pet as a family
- Make and donate masks to local family shelters
- Start a club at your school that promotes volunteerism throughout the year
- Initiate a park clean up or beautification project
- Install a buddy bench at a school
Do you know of a family-friendly or kid-friendly volunteer opportunity not listed here?
Please reach out to mackidnewiberia@macaronikid.com and we'll add it to our list!
