History:
In 1994, Congress passed the King Holiday and Service Act, designating Martin Luther King, Jr., Day (observed on the third Monday of January) as a national day of volunteer service. Instead of a day off from work or school, Congress asked Americans of all backgrounds and ages to celebrate Dr. King's legacy by turning community concern into citizen action.
Participating on This Day:
The intention of the American Legion Auxiliary is to promote patriotic community service activities and to build community partnerships.Our service on this day elevates our presence in the community while focusing on the needs of our national heroes. It is encouraged not to use thisday for membership recruitment purposes, but to approach this holiday as an opportunity to serve veterans in accordance with our mission.
Ways to Serve:
Here are six ideas to serve veterans on Martin Luther King, Jr., Day:
1. Help veterans in their home. Examples of these projects include building wheelchair ramps, basic home repairs and yard work.
a. See 5 Ways to Help Veterans Around Their Home
2. Organize or participate in a stand down.
a. See How you can help local veterans by planning a stand down
3. Host a job fair for veterans at a post, community center or library.
4. Organize a mid-year school supply drive for military children. To maximize effectiveness, collaboration with other units in your district and/or area is recommended.
5. Encourage Juniors to create Hero Packs, in conjunction with Operation: Military Kids, to be given to military kids who have a deployed family member.
6. Bring at least one new person (this can be a member that doesn’t normally volunteer or a non-member) along as you visit with veterans at VA Medical Centers or state veterans homes.
