Monday, January 15 is a national holiday honoring Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and is the only federal holiday that is a Day of Service. On the third Monday of each January, Americans are encouraged to make an ongoing commitment to service in their communities by focusing on seven issue areas: health, faith, education, the environment, honoring our veterans and military families, community resilience, and economic development.
A Day On, Not a Day Off
More than 50 years ago, Dr. King urged movement toward what he called the “Beloved Community”, which meant equality, social justice, economic advancement, and opportunities for all. He believed that each individual should have an active role in society, saying “Everyone can be great because everybody can serve.” Achieving this is the aim of the many organizations and cities that participate in the annual Day of Service. The projects and initiatives that take place on this day aim to bring Americans of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities together to provide solutions to the problems facing our communities and nation.
How to Get Involved
Visit MLKDay.gov to find a service project just for MLK Day, or for year-round opportunities in your community. Also check out the websites and social media pages for local organizations and projects that share your concerns. You could spend your Day of Service delivering meals, painting classrooms, refurbishing community centers, collecting food and clothing donations, constructing neighborhood libraries, doing environmental stewardship activities, building houses for veterans, or repairing homes damaged by floods. The MLK Day of Service empowers individuals, strengthens communities, bridges barriers, creates solutions to social problems, and moves us closer to Dr. King’s vision of a “Beloved Community.” Those who choose to volunteer on this day are encouraged to share their experience on social media using #MLKDay.
In honor of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, all Eastex Credit Union branches will be closed on Monday, January 15th. You may continue to access your accounts via online and mobile banking during this time, and our ATMs are available 24/7.
Sources: Corporation for National and Community Service and MLKDay.gov
