Local Civics: Where To Volunteer This MLK Day

Martin Luther King Jr. Day is coming up on Jan. 15. It might be a day off, but it’s also a great time to make a social impact. We talked with local nonprofit NEST4US about where to volunteer this MLK Day and added a few ideas of our own.

MLK Day of Service Community Give-Back Event

Volunteers at this community event can choose between various service projects like organizing notes of kindness, grocery bags, brunch bags, and gratitude bags.

When: 12-2 p.m.

Location: Damascus, MD

MLK Day Invasive Plant Removal

Help the National Park Service remove invasive plants on beloved local trails.

When: 10 a.m. -12 p.m.

Location: Teddy Roosevelt Island

Volunteer Shift At Open Crumb

Join Open Crumb’s Breadcoin team for the day! Volunteers will pass out breadcoins – which work like gift certificates at participating food vendors – and educate the community on how to use them.

When: 12 - 2 p.m.

Location: Anacostia

Anacostia Riverkeepers Waterways Cleanup

Head to the waterfront for Anacostia Riverkeepers’ annual MLK Day of Service cleanup. Bring your boots!

When: 9:30 or 11:30 a.m.

Location: Greenway

MLK Service Donation Distribution

Join local non-profit NEST4US as volunteers pick up donations and drop them off at various DMV shelters and food banks.

When: 1:30-2:30 p.m.

Location: Damascus, MD

Food Prep At DC Central Kitchen

If you don’t get MLK Day off but want to volunteer, this opportunity is the day before. Help local nonprofit DC Central Kitchen prepare and distribute food to combat hunger in the District.

When: 9 a.m., Jan. 14

Location: Navy Yard

For more DMV service opportunities, check out AmeriCorps, Volunteer Arlington, and Volunteer Alexandria for ideas!