By Kay Whatley, Editor
Start the new year helping your community and neighbors. Volunteer for the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service on Monday, January 15, 2018. Some North Carolina opportunities are listed below, and may require advance registration. Most listed events are in the eastern part of the state.
In addition to the listed events, various local organizations are holding service days. Check with your church, alumni association, school, or local Chamber of Commerce to see what’s happening close to home.
Or, search MLK Day of Service events on the National and Community Service.
Free educational resources, including lesson plans teachers and parents, are available from www.scholastic.com/mlkday.
Share The Dream Talent Show 2018
On Saturday, January 13, 2018, 6pm, the Share the Dream Talent Show returns for another year. The host location is the Greenfield School, 3351 NC Hwy 42 W, Wilson NC.
A wide range of talent includes: dancers, musicians, singers, poetry, dramatic reading and an excerpt from the infamous “I Have a Dream” speech. NC’s MLK Commissioner, Jacquie Jeffers, will perform the song she wrote in honor of Dr. King entitled “Share the Dream” which features local citizens in the video.
This activity is an example of the continuance of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s desire to make the world a better place to live by answering his question: “What are you doing for others?” Funds raised from this show are donated to organizations that work with children. Not only is this an evening to a witness multi-talented groups and individuals on stage but to distribute information about local businesses in a family oriented environment. In addition, individuals and/or organizations are recognized with the Share the Dream Community Spirit Award for their unselfish efforts for others.
Funds distributed following the event go to local community services and organizations. See updates and ticket information on this Facebook event.
MLK Unity Breakfast
On Monday, January 15, 2018, 7-9:30am, all are welcome at the 30th-annual Unity Breakfast honoring the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. This year’s theme will be: “Unfinished Work of a Dreamer.” Admission is free. Held at The Dunn Center for the Performing Arts, 3400 N Wesleyan Blvd, Rocky Mount NC.
Come out for breakfast and the program, featuring Keynote Speaker Synthia Saint James. Her works include two US Postal Service Kwanzaa stamps, and her artwork hangs in US embassies and hospitals around the world.
For more information, call 252.972.1181.
Greenville Community Unity Breakfast
Join the Greenville-Pitt Chamber and the city of Greenville for their 21st-annual Community Unity Breakfast. On Monday, January 15, 2018, come for breakfast and networking 7:30-9am in Harvey Hall at the ECU Murphy Center, 1 Ficklen Drive, Greenville NC.
Seating is limited and reservations are appreciated. Register via www.greenvillenc.org.
Greenville Trails Clean-up
January 15, 2018, starting at 9am, come for an hour or two and help maintain the trails at River Park North, 1000 Mumford Road, Greenville NC, with the Recreation and Parks Department. Projects will include removal of debris, trash, and invasive plants from along the trails.
Volunteers working for at least an hour will receive a coupon for free admission to the park’s Walter L. Stasavich Science and Nature Center.
Bring work gloves, water, and long pants.
See more about River Park North on the city of Greenville’s website.
Worship and Habitat Wall Building
To honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy, two faith coalitions are participating in MLK Day of Service on Monday, January 15, 2018.
The Northern Wake faith coalition is hosting a special community worship service in Wake Forest and half day of building afterward at a Raleigh NC home site.
The Baptist coalition youth will honor this annual holiday by building walls for a safe, affordable home.
Research Triangle Service Opportunities
The United Way of the Greater Triangle offers multiple happenings, ranging from garden planting to clean-up to educational events. Check out their MLK Day of Service listing at unitedwaytriangle.galaxydigital.com.
Dream Big Book Drive on MLK Day
Book Harvest’s annual signature event is a huge community-wide celebration of books and literacy at Durham Central Park, 501 Foster Street, Durham NC. Bring books to donate and join the party with live music, food trucks, and activities on Monday, January 15, 2018, 1-4pm.
Join Book Harvest in honoring Dr. King’s legacy in their work to make sure all children have the books and literacy supports. Learn more at bookharvestnc.org/dream-big or visit the nonprofit’s Facebook page.
Volunteer Center of Greensboro
On Monday, January 15, 2018, 10am-1pm, join the Volunteer Center of Greensboro for this event designed to bring people from all over Guilford County, North Carolina together to complete service projects.
Held at Four Seasons Town Centre, 410 Four Seasons Town Centre, Greensboro NC. This MLK Day of Service event includes:
- On-site Service Projects
- Community Art Projects
- Nonprofit Fair
- Career Fair
- Scavenger Hunt
- Live Performances (county school students)
This event is open to the public, with something to do for all ages. See details at www.volunteergso.org/mlk-day-of-service or on the Volunteer Center’s Facebook page.
Fee-Free Entry at National Parks
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day on January 15, 2018, is one of only four free-entry days at US National Parks. See details here, or use the National Park Service’s online Find A Park.
