CHAMBERSBURG – This year’s national holiday, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day on January 15 will be observed by over 130 community members as “a day on, not a day off.” The 4th Annual MLK Day of Service, coordinated by Franklin County Coalition for Progress, will honor the life and legacy of Dr. King through volunteerism and acts of service to improve our communities.
Service projects on the Monday holiday will bring together over 130 volunteers to benefit 13 different local nonprofits across Franklin County and include activities like painting, organizing, sorting, cleaning, and construction.
“By contributing to the MLK Day of Service, we aim to forge connections and create meaningful change in our local community,” said Karen White Jones with Menno Haven Retirement Communities and a member of the MLK Day of Service planning committee. “At Menno Haven, this day is a testament to our enduring pursuit of a more equitable and compassionate society.”
Over 30 residents and employees from Menno Haven have signed up alongside about 100 other community members to volunteer for this year’s Day of Service. Volunteers consist of individuals who signed up on their own as well as those who signed up together, including employee groups, families, student groups, and a scout troop.
The day will begin with volunteer check-in and breakfast, sponsored by Cluggy’s Family Amusement Center, beginning at 8am followed by a brief program beginning at 8:30am at the Franklin County Visitors Bureau, 15 S. Main St., Chambersburg. The keynote speaker is Rev. Dr. Drew G. I. Hart, associate professor of theology at Messiah University, author, and award-winning faith-based activist.
Following the program, MLK Day of Service volunteers will be sent out into the community to complete service projects at local nonprofits beginning at 9:30am.
While all volunteer spots are all filled, the morning program featuring Rev. Dr. Hart is free and open to the public. Learn more and RSVP here.
MLK Day of Service, with lead sponsors M&T Bank and Patriot Federal Credit Union, is a fulfilling and rewarding way for families, friends, neighbors, and colleagues to make a lasting impact on their community in the spirit of Dr. King’s vision of the Beloved Community. Learn more about the event at fccforprogress.org/mlk-day-of-service.
In addition to these Day of Service activities, several other local organizations will honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and his legacy through a variety of events. Racial Reconciliation is hosting a free Day of Learning on January 15 from 11am – 3:30pm and will contain tracks for adults/teens and children/youth. Participants will dive into principles and issues surrounding diversity, equity, inclusion, community-building, and social cohesion. Other MLK Day events include United Way of Franklin County’s Winter Warmth Drive, Franklin County Visitors Bureau’s essay contest, and talk on social justice hosted by Wilson College. For more information about all MLK Day related events in Franklin County, please visit mlkdayfranklincounty.org.
