For a teen, a day off from school is sacred. There’s sleep to catch up on, television to watch and homework to complete. However, for approximately 250 high school students in Snohomish County, this year’s Martin Luther King Jr. holiday on Jan. 18 will really be a day “on” not a day “off.”
During this Day of Service, teen volunteers can choose from different hands-on projects throughout Snohomish County. Nearby projects range from helping seniors in their homes, to sorting donations that are going out to low income families, to parks and animal center restorations. Teams of volunteers will be led by Senior Corps-RSVP and other adult volunteers.
Marking its seventh year in Snohomish County, the MLK Day of Service brings high school students and community volunteers together to serve the most vulnerable members of our community, transforming Dr. King’s life mission and teachings into community service.
“High school students are inspired by Dr. King’s lessons of compassion and community-building,” said Dennis G. Smith, president and CEO of United Way of Snohomish. “This national day of service provides a way to put those ideals into action.”
Organizations like school clubs, athletic teams and friends who want to volunteer together are highly encouraged to register as a group. Teens can also register individually.
More details and registration information is online at www.uwsc.org/mlkday.php. For Instagram, Twitter and Facebook users, the hashtag for the event is #mlkdaysnoco
The MLK Day of Service in Snohomish County is a partnership of United Way of Snohomish County, Catholic Community Services and Senior Corps –RSVP and the YMCA of Snohomish County
Volunteers must sign up by Jan. 11 to participate. Teens aged 14-19 can register online at www.uwsc.org/mlkday.php or contact United Way’s Youth United program at 425-374-5530 or youthunited@uwsc.org. Volunteer slots at specific projects are on a space-available basis.
