The Headwaters Charitable Trust, a Clearfield County-based nonprofit group that promotes a green economy through jobs, restoration and partnerships, is encouraging residents to volunteer for community work during the Martin Luther King Day of Service January 16.
The Trust noted January in any branch of AmeriCorps means celebrating Martin Luther King Day by honoring his commitment to service. Typically, this day is “a day on and not a day off” for AmeriCorps volunteers.
After a long struggle, legislation was signed in 1983 creating a federal holiday marking the birthday of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The federal holiday was first observed in 1986. In 1994, Congress designated the holiday as a national day of service and charged the Corporation for National and Community Service with leading this effort.
Dr. King recognized the power of service to strengthen communities and achieve common goals. The MLK Day of Service is a way to transform Dr. King’s life and teachings into community action that helps meet national challenges on issues such as increasing economic opportunity, education, supporting veterans and military families, and help communities prepare for and recover from disaster.
In addition to helping solve serious problems, service brings together people from different backgrounds and benefits those who serve. On MLK Day, it is especially fitting that Americans come together in service that not only honors Dr. King, but builds lasting change in communities.
In 2016, Mayor Robert Howard of Saint Marys, Pennsylvania issued a proclamation on MLK Day designating it as an official day of service. People of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities are encouraged to serve on King Day, and to make the day the beginning of an ongoing commitment to address needs in their community.
If you as an individual or an organization would like to coordinate an event or participate in a day of service with a local nonprofit you may contact Headwaters Charitable Trusts’ Outreach Coordinator DeQuan Alston by sending email to: Dalston@hwct.org or call 336-558-0537.
For more information on the programs, initiatives and other upcoming events, visit the Headwaters Charitable Trust website.
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