Dr. Martin Luther King Jr Day is observed on the third Monday of January each year to honor the life of the Civil Rights leader. The holiday was signed into law in 1983, and it was first observed in 1986. It took another 14 years for the holiday to be observed in all 50 states.
Montgomery County honors the legacy of Dr. King with service projects throughout the county to help those in need. The Office of Human Rights also coordinates a tribute to Dr. King with performances at the Music Center at Strathmore.
Montgomery County Volunteer Center and other organizations coordinate service projects from now through Jan. 21. This is the first time in three years that volunteers will gather in-person. Since 2020, the projects were all home-based due to the pandemic.
Volunteers of all ages will have the opportunity to get involved in a wide variety of service projects, and students can earn student service learning hours to meet one of their graduation requirements.
Projects include packaging food for the needy, creating scarves for hospice patients, crafting Valentine’s Day cards for seniors, and more.
Here’s a list of some of the events happening Monday, Jan. 16 around the county:
Bethesda North Marriott Conference Center
Service Projects and Volunteer Fair
Hosted by the Montgomery County Volunteer Center
Monday, Jan. 16 from noon to 3 p.m.
Learn more and register.
Journey’s Crossing Church in Germantown
Service Projects
Hosted by Journey’s Crossing Church, Germantown
Monday, Jan. 16 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Learn more and register.
Bauer Drive Community Center in Rockville
Service Projects
Hosted by the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.
Monday, Jan. 16 from 10 a.m. to noon
Learn more and register
Silver Spring Civic Building
Service Projects
Hosted by Montgomery County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority
Monday, Jan 16 from 10 a.m. to noon
Learn more and register
Montgomery Parks
Trail and parks clean up
Hosted by Montgomery Parks
Jan. 14 – Jan 21
Learn more and register
All service events are free, but space is limited and advance registration is required. To learn more about the program and to register, visit www.montgomeryserves.org.
Rockville’s 51st Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration
Features performances, awards, a keynote speaker, interactive booths and a continental breakfast (while supplies last).
Richard Montgomery High School
Hosted by the City of Rockville
Jan. 16 from 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Learn more
