This year, Martin Luther King Jr. Day will occur Monday, Jan. 17. MLK is best known for his contributions to end racial segregation and work toward racial equality. People often celebrate this holiday by educating themselves about his revolutionary contributions – but, another thing people can do is serve.

“Everybody can be great, because anybody can serve,” King said. “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.”

Here are a few service ideas to consider in celebrating this holiday:

1. Find community volunteer opportunities

Volunteering is especially important in communities. Oftentimes, it can create something similar to a domino effect of good deeds by helping those less fortunate than you.

One opportunity in Prosper is the Tribute Senior Living Center Words of Love. The Center asks that you send cards or letters for their 20 residents. They must be e-mailed to j.upton@tributeseniorliving.com.

Another local option for volunteering is at Grace Bridge. As stated on their website, their food bank provides to more than 360,000 families. They would need assistance with food distributions, food packing, or at one of the two resale shop locations (Frisco and Plano).

Two great resources to find service projects are AmeriCorps and justserve.org. You can easily enter your zip code and find projects near you. Here are two opportunities that are just 20 miles outside of Prosper.

Help Us Build Our Orchestra in 2022: Coppell Community Orchestra

Their website states, “Our orchestra is looking for volunteer minded individuals that want to contribute to the growth and development of our organization.”

They are looking for help in the following areas:

• Fundraising & Sponsorship
• Grant Writing
• Membership & Recruitment
• Promotion & Media
• Office work
• Set Up Staff
• Audio & Visual recording
• Social Media Team

Become part of an Arts legacy & history in Coppell TX

“Are you a musician that put down your instrument years back or recently and still know how to play?” their website asks. “Do you need a group to play because yours is on break and don’t know where to start looking? We have a seat waiting for you!”

2. Donate to the Equal Justice Initiative or any charity of your choice

The EJI’s goal is to help end mass incarceration and excessive punishment, challenge racial and economic injustice and protect basic human rights for the most vulnerable. By donating to them, people are supporting an important cause, and helping to advocate for equal rights.

Last, but not least, consider complimenting someone you see around the neighborhood. Invite your neighbor over for coffee, or perform any small act of kindness available to you. As MLK once said, “I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear.”