Reach out. Find your passion. Connect to a cause. Positively impact. Open your heart. Find your voice. Lend your muscle. Give. Volunteer. Advocate. Live United.

Martin Luther King, Jr., Day of Service

The King Day of Service is a way to transform Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s life and teachings into community service that helps solve social problems. That service may meet a tangible need, such as fixing up a school or senior center, or it may meet a need of the spirit, such as building a sense of community or mutual responsibility. On this day, Americans of every age and background celebrate Dr. King through service projects that strengthen communities, empower individuals and bridge barriers.

Make it a day on... not a day off. Join a project
Create your own project
Find events nationwide


Connect with other King Day of Service volunteers


Can't make it?
Here are some ways to get involved without leaving your house.

  • Be an advocate
    If you can't lend your time on the King Day of Service, please lend your voice. With a click on the mouse, you can help spread the word about the importance of early childhood education. Click here to get started.
  • Share your story
    Dr. King believed that great things can happen when we work together toward a common goal. At United Way we call this idea Living United. It's a credo... a mission... a goal - a constant reminder that when we reach out a hand to one, we influence the condition of all. Tell us how you LIVE UNITED and inspire others to do the same.
  • Volunteer throughout the year
    Service can happen any day of the year. Whether it’s reading to children through our Operation ABC program, preparing taxes for hard-working families through the EITC initiative, or joining with your neighbors and Panera Bread to Impact Your Neighborhood, there are hundreds of volunteer options available every day. Find an Education, Income or Basic Needs volunteer opportunity near you now.
  • Start a fundraiser
    Whatever it is you care about, when you create a personal fundraiser to support United Way's work in Education, Income or Basic Needs using our online tools, you are only limited by your imagination. We'll give you everything you need - your own web page, online invitations and an online system to collect donations. Click here to get started or continue reading for more information.