Martin Luther King, Jr. is one of the greatest heroes of the 20th century, symbolizing the quest for equal rights for all and volunteer service for one's community. In honor of his legacy, Martin Luther King's birthday is observed as a day of service. In 1994, the US Congress passed the King Holiday and Service Act, designating the third Monday in January as the King Day of Service in commemoration of Martin Luther King's birthday.

The King Day of Service breaks down barriers and brings people together who might not ordinarily meet, to help out in their communities.

Why volunteer? Volunteering helps those in need. It helps build a better community. It builds your skills and resume. And it helps you feel good about yourself.

Although the King day of Service has grown over the years so that hundreds of thousands participate, many are still unaware of the service aspect of the day. Help raise awareness in your community that this is a "day on and not just a day off."