Martin Luther King Jr. Day, which will take place next Monday, is sometimes seen as a coveted day off school and a chance to sleep in. But across the country, it is recognized as something more meaningful: a national Day of Service, where people support local causes. Created to honor Dr. King’s commitment to justice and civic initiative, the MLK Day of Service is a movement that encourages people nationwide to give back and volunteer.
Erica Weinberg, an adult in the community and CEO of Ideas in Philanthropy, a company that works with organizations to do better philanthropy, described the importance of giving back to the community.
“[It] is an essential part of being an engaged citizen, and we need to create meaningful ways for youth people to participate in philanthropy,” Weinberg said. “MLK Day of Service is a wonderful opportunity to make that happen while learning the importance of civic engagement.”
Weinberg believes that while the community benefits from this, the students themselves do as well.
“Volunteering helps students develop leadership skills, empathy and provides them with a deeper understanding of social issues.” Weinberg said.
In San Diego, there are numerous ways to participate in the Day of Service.
As a nonprofit organization, HandsOn San Diego arranges projects where people can volunteer, and connect with local nonprofits, like the Lucky Duck foundation, Sharia’s Closet and Dreams for Change. They also arrange volunteer opportunities that address the needs that can make an impact in communities all across San Diego, from Carlsbad to El Cajon.
Lucky Duck Foundation
On Monday from 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., the Lucky Duck Meals for the Unsheltered Homeless Program will take place. This initiative prepares food and water for the homeless. Since 2020, they have handed out more than 2 million meals across San Diego.
Sharia’s Closet
From 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., Sharia’s Closet will run a clothing drive. Volunteers will organize and prepare donated clothing for distribution. This closet is located on El Cajon Boulevard.
Elise Espinoza (10) plans to sort clothes at Sharia’s Closet this MLK Day.
“I want to organize clothes this year at the closet to support people who are relying on others for these donations,” Espionza said. “These acts make differences in someone’s life.”
Dreams for Change
At Dreams for Change, volunteers are invited for dog walking and sitting at a safe sleeping site near Balboa Park. Safe sleeping sites are designated locations where homeless people have a secure place to sleep. From 12 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., participants can help walk, supervise and play with the dogs, giving owners a time to rest and take care of other responsibilities, such as showering and cleaning up their living spaces. If owners of pets are not present at the site, there are opportunities to talk to and play games with the members of this program.
Last year, Arynna Ault (10) participated by walking and playing with the dogs.
“Spending time with the dogs showed me that even small actions, like taking them on a walk, can make a real difference,” Ault said. “It also connected me with people I would have not otherwise met.”
