Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service

BET.com shows you how to get involved.

A Day On, Not a Day Off - For almost 26 years, the third Monday in January has marked the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. federal holiday. For many it’s a day “on” for service, rather than simply a day off from school and work. Termed as the “MLK Day of Service” over the years, Dr. King’s holiday highlights an opportunity for Americans to honor his legacy through service. In the following pages, BET.com shows you how to get involved. Unless noted, all events take place on Jan. 16. — Danielle Wright

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A Day On, Not a Day Off - For almost 26 years, the third Monday in January has marked the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. federal holiday. For many it’s a day “on” for service, rather than simply a day off from school and work. Termed as the “MLK Day of Service” over the years, Dr. King’s holiday highlights an opportunity for Americans to honor his legacy through service. In the following pages, BET.com shows you how to get involved. Unless noted, all events take place on Jan. 16. — Danielle Wright

Detroit — March for Change - Join buildOn as they march for education, a better Detroit, change, peace, and in honor of recapturing Dr. King’s dream and revolutionary spirit. The march takes place from 8:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.at 3200 E Lafayette St.(Photo: Bill Pugliano/Getty Images)

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Detroit — March for Change - Join buildOn as they march for education, a better Detroit, change, peace, and in honor of recapturing Dr. King’s dream and revolutionary spirit. The march takes place from 8:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.at 3200 E Lafayette St.(Photo: Bill Pugliano/Getty Images)

Community Cleanup - If the weather cooperates, work off the turkey and dressing by taking a walk around your neighborhood and help pick up trash. (Photo: The Plain Dealer /Landov)

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Detroit — Clean Up the Park  - Join community service at Belle Isle Park in Detroit, Michigan. Volunteers will be able to register for one of 5-6 different service projects, including but not limited to beautification, mural painting, deforestation and outdoor clean-up. Volunteers will meet at the University of Michigan-Dearborn campus in the morning. (Photo: The Plain Dealer/Landov)

New York — Donate Coats  - Donate any new or gently worn coat in collection boxes located in all Burlington Coat Factory stores all across the country, including in New York, on January 1, 2012 - January 16, 2012.(Photo: Mario Tama/Getty Images)

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New York — Donate Coats  - Donate any new or gently worn coat in collection boxes located in all Burlington Coat Factory stores all across the country, including in New York, on January 1, 2012 - January 16, 2012.(Photo: Mario Tama/Getty Images)

New Jersey — Mural Painting and Crafts  - Join over 300 volunteers at Snyder High School (239 Bergen Ave, Jersey City), the Jersey Cares flagship site for the Martin Luther King Day of Service, to paint inspirational murals in the hallways, cafeteria and gymnasium. Volunteers also have the option of creating MLK-themed crafts for children. (Photo: The Plain Dealer/Landov)

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New Jersey — Mural Painting and Crafts  - Join over 300 volunteers at Snyder High School (239 Bergen Ave, Jersey City), the Jersey Cares flagship site for the Martin Luther King Day of Service, to paint inspirational murals in the hallways, cafeteria and gymnasium. Volunteers also have the option of creating MLK-themed crafts for children. (Photo: The Plain Dealer/Landov)

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Volunteer - Take some time to help others. No matter where you live there are organizations that can use your services a few hours a month. Use your hard-earned skills to help others. Not sure how to get started? Visit serve.gov for opportunities in your community. (Photo: Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

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Atlanta — Historic Preservation - During the Martin Luther King Jr. Service Summit, volunteers will clean debris from the original Atlanta Life Insurance Company building at Herndon Plaza (142 Auburn Ave. NE) and do general landscaping and clean-up work around the grounds of the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic District and other historic/preservation communities. (Photo: Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

Start a Food Bank (Or Work With One) - Even though obesity rates are alarmingly high, we are in the midst of a hunger epidemic in this country. Giving non-perishables and getting your friends and family to donate food is a great way to put meals on the plates of those in your community who really need it. (Photo: Spencer Platt/Getty Images)

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Atlanta — Sandwiches for the Community - HandsOn, Atlanta's Family Service Projects, teaches young children about community problems in an age-appropriate and constructive manner. During the Martin Luther King Jr. Service Summit, families will be making 2,000 sandwiches for the Open Door Community at 600 Means St NW #100.  (Photo: Spencer Platt/Getty Images)

Memphis — Donate Coats  - Donate any new or gently worn coat in collection boxes located in all Burlington Coat Factory stores all across the country, including at all stores across Memphis, Tennessee, from January 1 – January 16. (Photo: Brian Snyder/Landov)

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Memphis — Donate Coats  - Donate any new or gently worn coat in collection boxes located in all Burlington Coat Factory stores all across the country, including at all stores across Memphis, Tennessee, from January 1 – January 16. (Photo: Brian Snyder/Landov)

Washington, D.C. — Clean-Up - Come help cleanup Soapstone Valley in Van Ness to celebrate Martin Luther King Day of Service. Hot chocolate and snacks will be served. The group will meet at the North entrance to Soapstone Valley Park, located on Albemarle St. NW, near 32nd St.(Photo: Riccardo Savi/Getty Images for Planters)

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Washington, D.C. — Clean-Up - Come help cleanup Soapstone Valley in Van Ness to celebrate Martin Luther King Day of Service. Hot chocolate and snacks will be served. The group will meet at the North entrance to Soapstone Valley Park, located on Albemarle St. NW, near 32nd St.(Photo: Riccardo Savi/Getty Images for Planters)

Holiday Charities: Where to Give This Season - The holidays can be a time of mass consumerism. But in the spirit of the season, take a moment to help those in need. BET.com offers a list of organizations that are giving back in good cheer. — Dorkys Ramos (Photo: Alex Wong/Getty Images)

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Maryland — Volunteer Fair - Participate in Montgomery County's Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service and Volunteer Fair. Please bring a canned good or other non-perishable items to donate to Manna Food Center. During 1:00p-3:00p participants can complete various service projects, including making bag lunches for area ... homeless shelters, making no-sew fleece blankets for Montgomery Hospice, decorating cards for troops, and much more. (Photo: Alex Wong/Getty Images)

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Los Angeles — Peace and Unity Parade  - The City of Long Beach, Council District 6 is uniting the community with Dr. King’s teachings of nonviolence and equality through a Peace and Unity parade celebration. For more information, visit: volunteer.truist.com.(Photo: David McNew/Getty Images)

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Los Angeles — Peace and Unity Parade  - The City of Long Beach, Council District 6 is uniting the community with Dr. King’s teachings of nonviolence and equality through a Peace and Unity parade celebration. For more information, visit: volunteer.truist.com.(Photo: David McNew/Getty Images)

Oakland/San Francisco —− Habitat for Humanity  - Habitat for Humanity Greater San Francisco is building a 36-unit condominium complex in Daly City, and they would love your help. The group can accommodate up to 60 volunteers. Site: 7555 Mission Street, Daly City Contact: 415-625-1026 Hours: 8:30am-4:15pm Sign Up: 415-625-1026 No construction experience is necessary, just a willingness to swing a hammer.(Photo: Biloxi Sun-Hearld/MCT/Landov)

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Oakland/San Francisco —− Habitat for Humanity  - Habitat for Humanity Greater San Francisco is building a 36-unit condominium complex in Daly City, and they would love your help. The group can accommodate up to 60 volunteers. Site: 7555 Mission Street, Daly City Contact: 415-625-1026 Hours: 8:30am-4:15pm Sign Up: 415-625-1026 No construction experience is necessary, just a willingness to swing a hammer.(Photo: Biloxi Sun-Hearld/MCT/Landov)

Sandy Clean Up Continues - The Occupy movement has organized several Hurricane Sandy related volunteer opportunities in one place.(Photo: Doug Pensinger/Getty Images for AFL)

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New Orleans —Community Service - Join HandsOn New Orleans on January 21 as they celebrate the life of Martin Luther King Jr. through a day of community service in the 7th Ward (1368 Annette St). Volunteers will help construct a picnic area for a community park, paint and renovate a local food pantry, and do street cleaning.(Photo: Doug Pensinger/Getty Images for AFL)

New Orleans —Teach Seniors Commuter Skills - The Central City Senior Center is seeking volunteers to assist seniors in learning basic computer skills on January 18 and January 19. Volunteers should enjoy socializing with seniors, be patient and good at explaining things, ... as well as have a basic understanding of how to use a computer and the internet. For more information, visit: www.handsonneworleans.org.(Photo: The Plain Dealer/Landov)

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New Orleans —Teach Seniors Commuter Skills - The Central City Senior Center is seeking volunteers to assist seniors in learning basic computer skills on January 18 and January 19. Volunteers should enjoy socializing with seniors, be patient and good at explaining things, ... as well as have a basic understanding of how to use a computer and the internet. For more information, visit: www.handsonneworleans.org.(Photo: The Plain Dealer/Landov)

Houston —Beautify the Community  - Houston Habitat for Humanity, the office of the Council Member for District B, and Fifth Ward CRC invite all interested individuals, organizations, churches and volunteer groups to get involved in various projects, including cleaning up a street block, installing or repairing a roof, cutting grass, landscaping, construction/housing projects, removing debris from a homeowner's yard, weatherizing a home, or cleaning and painting the exterior of a home or building. For more information, visit here. (Photo: The Republican/Landov)

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Houston —Beautify the Community  - Houston Habitat for Humanity, the office of the Council Member for District B, and Fifth Ward CRC invite all interested individuals, organizations, churches and volunteer groups to get involved in various projects, including cleaning up a street block, installing or repairing a roof, cutting grass, landscaping, construction/housing projects, removing debris from a homeowner's yard, weatherizing a home, or cleaning and painting the exterior of a home or building. For more information, visit here. (Photo: The Republican/Landov)

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Senior Meals - Programs like Meals on Wheels that receive federal subsidies will have to serve 4 million fewer meals to seniors. (Photo: Rod Lamkey Jr./The Washington Times /Landov)

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Dallas —Meals on Wheels - Join VNA Meals on Wheels (at 1440 W Mockingbird Lane) for their second annual MLK Day special meal delivery. They will be delivering 4,000 hot lunches to homebound seniors and disabled persons throughout Dallas County. Volunteers will be given an arrival time between 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. to pick up your client list with turn-by-turn driving directions. Volunteers are expected to be done by noon. (Photo: Rod Lamkey Jr./The Washington Times/Landov)

 Columbus, Ohio —Discussion and Dinner on Education - In honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, please join HandsOn Central Ohio, After-School All-Stars, and Habitat for Humanity Veterans Initiative on January 12 for a discussion and dinner (1201 Moler Rd) centering on issues in education. Volunteers are needed to help set up the event, tear down the event and work with the middle school students in an art service activity. For more information, visit: www.volunteercentralohio.org.(Photo: MICHAEL KAPPELER/DPA/LANDOV)

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 Columbus, Ohio —Discussion and Dinner on Education - In honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, please join HandsOn Central Ohio, After-School All-Stars, and Habitat for Humanity Veterans Initiative on January 12 for a discussion and dinner (1201 Moler Rd) centering on issues in education. Volunteers are needed to help set up the event, tear down the event and work with the middle school students in an art service activity. For more information, visit: www.volunteercentralohio.org.(Photo: MICHAEL KAPPELER/DPA/LANDOV)

Phoenix —Pick Citrus  - HandsOn Greater Phoenix celebrates the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with the first pick of the citrus season at Sahuaro Ranch Park (9802 N 59th Ave, Glendale). Volunteers are needed to help pick citrus from trees at Saguaro Ranch Park. Fruit will ... be collected in large bins and donated to local food banks to help feed the community. (Photo: Matt Stroshane/Getty Images)

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Phoenix —Pick Citrus  - HandsOn Greater Phoenix celebrates the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with the first pick of the citrus season at Sahuaro Ranch Park (9802 N 59th Ave, Glendale). Volunteers are needed to help pick citrus from trees at Saguaro Ranch Park. Fruit will ... be collected in large bins and donated to local food banks to help feed the community. (Photo: Matt Stroshane/Getty Images)

Boston — Quilt for Homeless Veterans - Join Boston Cares and the City of Boston for a day of service in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Volunteers can participate in a variety of service activities ranging from decorating quilting squares to creating scarves for the New England Center for Homeless Veterans, to making quilts for Room to Grow. For more information, visit: www.bostoncares.org(Photo: The Washington Times/Landov)

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Boston — Quilt for Homeless Veterans - Join Boston Cares and the City of Boston for a day of service in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Volunteers can participate in a variety of service activities ranging from decorating quilting squares to creating scarves for the New England Center for Homeless Veterans, to making quilts for Room to Grow. For more information, visit: www.bostoncares.org(Photo: The Washington Times/Landov)

Thanksgiving in a Box - Get a box and some non-perishable items that remind you of the holidays and send it off to loved ones stationed abroad or send it anonymously to U.S. service men and women through anysoldier.com. (Photo: Paul Morigi/Getty Images for Microsoft)

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Don’t See Your City?  - If you don’t see your city listed here, visit the Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service homepage search engine here. (Photo: Paul Morigi/Getty Images for Microsoft)