All the ways you can make a
difference this MLK Day
By Bethany Hines, CNN
Updated 3:25 PM ET,
Sun January 14, 2018
Martin Luther King
Jr.'s emphasis on nonviolence and service to his "beloved community"
garnered the civil rights leader worldwide recognition. In 1964, at 35 years
old, King became the youngest person to win the Nobel Peace Prize.
(CNN)Martin Luther King Jr.
Day is not just a federal holiday where you take off work, it's also meant to
be a national day of service -- a time for action. "You can have a person
in your own house that needs help. Your neighbor needs help. That is the whole
premise," said Carmen Coya van-Duijn with the King Center in Atlanta.
Here are some ways you can make a difference on this day -- and
all year long.
Donate time
Deliver meals: Ten million senior citizens in America face the threat of hunger
and Meals on Wheels provides nutritious meals for homebound seniors. You can sign up to deliver a meal and
give a quick safety check for senior citizens in your area.
Start a conversation: Points of Light Sunday Supper was inspired by Dr. King's
vision that people of diverse backgrounds would come together to discuss
injustices and create a plan for action. Share a meal and conversation about community issues here.
Other ways to volunteer are listed on the organization's
website.
Use your words: Good with words? You can write a letter thanking a
veteran, first responder or a new recruit through Operation Gratitude.
Donate talent
Build homes: Find
out what the housing need looks like in your community here and help build
homes for those in need with Habitat for Humanity.
Educate others: The MLK National Day of Service site provides
tool kits you can use to teach your friends, families and neighbors topics
ranging from disaster preparedness to well-being. Start
your own project here.
Offer help: Are you a medical professional? Doctors without Borders recruits medical,
administrative and logistical support personnel to provide medical care to
people worldwide.
Donate treasure
Give money: Life-changing events like natural disasters happens often around
the country and many people need of support. CNN's Impact Your World has
a list of causes you can donate to.
Be kind: Give
a compliment. Open the door for someone. Help mom cook dinner. As Dr. Martin
Luther King Jr. "The time is always right to do what is right."
