In Honor of MLK Day: Acts of Service Really Add Up

angled view of the top of CMGC

Almost 30 years ago, Congress passed the King Holiday and Service Act, designating the Martin Luther King Jr. Federal Holiday as a National Day of Service. 

Volunteering your time and talent on MLK Day and throughout the year helps make Dr. King's vision of a beloved community a reality. You can celebrate Dr. King's legacy by volunteering, knowing your service helps empower individuals, strengthen communities, bridge barriers, and create solutions in your community.

The ways you can give back to the Mecklenburg community are endless: help protect public health by getting a flu shot; support the local economy by dining, shopping, and doing business with small, local businesses, serve on a County Advisory Board, Committee, & Commission or by volunteering your time and in a number of ways with Park and Recreation. 

Last year (from Jan. – Nov. 2022) 5,290 volunteers donated 34, 935 hours to support and supplement the work of Park and Rec staff. That volunteer time added over $1 million in value to Park & Recreation and had an immeasurable impact on the Mecklenburg community. 

Like Dr. King said, ““Everybody can be great…because anybody can serve. You don’t have to have a college degree to serve. You don’t have to make your subject and verb agree to serve. You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love.” There are opportunities for all ages and skill sets to volunteer with Park and Rec –

  • Be a youth sports coach - We depend on hundreds of volunteer coaches every year to help make our youth sports amazing. Find a recreation center convenient to you to find out what sports are available.
  • Join the “Trash Trackers” - Explore a different location each month while you connect with people and nature, all the while making a positive difference in our community by removing trash from our Nature Preserves and Parks!
  • Be a homework tutor - Students aged 5 to 14 receive weekly tutoring and homework help during the school year - led by Park & Recreation staff. Volunteers provide valuable 1-on-1 assistance for these scholars. A great opportunity to provide a positive example to youth and teens. Student materials/supplies are provided.
  • Host Bingo for Seniors - Programs for Seniors at the Northern Regional Recreation & Senior Centers are a big hit, and we could use some help!
  • Group projects - Sign your church group, neighborhood association or other civic group up to volunteer together. We also offer opportunities for Girl Scout and Boy Scout troops.

It’s easy to volunteer with Park and Rec and support your community: