A little oven ten years ago, Congress declared Martin Luther King Jr. Day (MLK Day) a day of national service. This federal holiday is the only day that has been designated as a day to spend time working together on some of the problems facing our nation.

The idea is that through working together, we are able to work as a community to create change for the better.  Please know that some of the following listed activities require advance registration; please check the listing before planning to attend.

There are several ways to get involved on MLK Day. You can visit the Corporation for National and Community Service for more information and ideas for how to get involved but we also have some local opportunities to share.

MLK Day of Service Events Lake County

Annual Multi-Generational Martin Luther King Day of Service
Recreation Center of Highland Park, 1207 Park Avenue West, Highland Park | (847) 579-4554
January 16, 2017  10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
The Highland Park community is proud to host the 8th Annual Multi-Generational Martin Luther King Day of Service. Join in on meaningful, creative, and fun projects that will help local community agencies. Sponsored by the Park District of Highland Park and the Highland Park Community Relations Commission.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service
Waukegan Public Library, 128 N. County St., Waukegan | (847) 623-2041
January 16, 2017  1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Create your own tissue paper flowers for people in the hospital in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his legacy.

Show your Love
Lake County Cares, Gorton Community Center, 400 E Illinois Rd., Lake Forest
January 16, 2017, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. Day by meeting local nonprofits, help them through fun volunteer activities for children and adults, and decorate a square of a Community Quilt! Admission is free, but donations of canned or nonperishable food for a local food pantry are welcome. Live music will be provided by Midwest Young Artists and refreshments will be provided. Children welcome!

Public Service Project: Scarves for Veterans and their Families
Vernon Area Public Library, 300 Olde Half Day Road, Lincolnshire | (847)634-3650
January 16, 2017  2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Honor Martin Luther King Jr. by taking part in this special day-off-of-school public service project. Kid in grades K-6 are invited to attend with an adult and learn about the Road Home Program: Center for Veterans and Their Families at Rush in Chicago and the health and counseling services they provide. Participants will then make a scarf to donate to the Road Home Program for veterans and their families.

This program is free and open to all children in grades K-6 with an adult, but registration is required. Register online, by telephone at (224) 543-1486, or in person at any service desk in the library.

Martin Luther King Jr. Storytime and Activity
Waukegan Public Library, 128 N. County St., Waukegan | (847) 623-2041
January 16, 2017  2:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Gather in the Early Learning Center (Lower Level) to learn more about Martin Luther King Jr. and create a craft to celebrate peace. Sponsored by North Shore Gas.

Martin Luther King Jr Drop in Craft
Cook Memorial Public Library,  Libertyville
Aspen Drive Library , Vernon Hills
January 16, 2017, 10:00  – 11:30 a.m. (Cook Memorial Library), 1:30 – 3:30 p.m. ( Aspen Drive Library)
Celebrate the legacy and memory of Martin Luther King, Jr. and join us in creating a beautiful collaborative art project.

Also, The Volunteer Center (Winnetka) will be sharing more details about their plans for MLK Day of Service 2017, so check their site for more information.

If you want to create your own day of service, below are some organizations that welcome children and families. For more information read Little Lake County’s recent article on Parent/Child Volunteering opportunities.

Northern Illinois Food Bank
North Suburban Center, 440 Keller Drive, Park City
Weekday shifts available Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday; a Saturday shift is available from 9:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Volunteers are needed to help with sorting and packing. Children age eight and older can volunteer with families or in groups with adult chaperones. See website to register for times.

Bernie’s Book Bank 
28101 N. Ballard Dr., Unit A, Lake Forest | 847-780-READ (7323)
Bernie’s Book Bank welcomes volunteers of all ages and abilities to its processing center. Groups of more than eight are asked to please contact them in advance to set up a time. Volunteers under the age of 14 must be accompanied by an adult. Volunteers sort, sticker and bag collections of books for at-risk youth. Drop-in Volunteer hours are available Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. See website for specific times and more information.

Lake County Forest Preserve District 
The LCFPD has many opportunities for families to volunteer. These are mostly warmer weather restoration activity best suited for older children. Projects can include pulling invasive plants, picking up garbage or planting. See the LCFPD website for information and specific opportunities for families.

Feed my Starving Children
742 East Park Ave. (Rt. 176), Libertyville | 847-984-33846
Loralie gave you the full details on volunteering with kids at FMSC. Minimum age for volunteering is five. It’s recommended that groups of children be in at least 3rd grade.

How will your family honor Martin Luther King, Jr. Day this year?

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