This coming Monday, Jan. 17, 2022, is designated as Martin Luther King Jr. Day. While many are aware that businesses are closed for this day, few realize that it is the only federal holiday designated as a National Day of Service.
According to the AmericCorps website, “the Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service is a defining moment each year when Americans across the country step up to make our communities more equitable and take action to create the Beloved Community of Dr. King’s dream. While Dr. King believed the Beloved Community was possible, he acknowledged and fought for systemic change. His example is our call to action.”
This is an incredible way to honor the late civil rights leader’s legacy. But is it enough to simply do one day of service each year?
At Boys and Girls Homes of North Carolina, there is an emphasis on service for our staff and the youth we serve. Representatives of the campus have long been volunteers with the Lake Waccamaw Food Ministry, helping to bag and distribute food for those who are experiencing food insecurity in the community. Campus youth volunteered at the 2021 BGHNC rodeo, helping with various aspects to make the event the best possible for the community. In the past, youth from the school and campus have volunteered at community events such as Safe Night and the Take the Lake event at Lake Waccamaw. Many of the BGHNC staff participate in civic clubs and service organizations throughout the community, often taking on the challenges of volunteer leadership.
Will you join us in a commitment to being a servant leader in your community?
Melissa Hopkins is the Public Relations and Marketing Specialist at Boys and Girls Homes of North Carolina.
