This article was written and contributed by Autumn Yates, Autumn Yates Writing Service
The National Weekend of Service: Family-friendly Resources for Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Beyond
Each year, Martin Luther King Jr. Day and the accompanying Weekend of Service offer unique events and opportunities designed to help make the world a better place. While this is a great time to be inspired by acts of service, good deeds certainly do not have to be limited to one weekend in January. Continue reading for a list of meaningful, straightforward ways that you and your kids can give back during the Weekend of Service or at ANY time of year.
Animals
If your kids love both animals AND arts and crafts, try making toys for Loudoun County Animal Shelter. Young children can decorate ping pong balls with non-toxic markers for cats and ferrets or help you braid fleece for dog chew toys. Do you have a budding reader? Consider signing them up for one of Fairfax County Public Library’s Read to the Service Dog sessions.
Food Insecurity
In a region where as many as 25% of children qualify for free and reduced lunch, weekend food packs help bridge the gap for families that depend on school meals during the week. Gather some friends or family members and use this guide from Britepaths to prepare weekend food packs for a local school. For a simple but long-term project, sign up for a Cool Green Bag. Every time you grocery shop, have your children pick out one or two non-perishable items to put in the bag. Simply leave the bag outside your door on each of six designated pick-up days throughout the year, and your donations will be delivered to a local food pantry!
The Environment
Collecting litter is a wonderful way to keep our local parks beautiful for everyone while teaching your children about the importance of responsible trash disposal. Pick up some trash bags and grabbers or gloves and head to your favorite NOVA Regional Park, county park or local playground/trail. Are you looking for an environmentally focused volunteer event? Children ages 11 and up can sign up with a parent to help clear invasive plant species from local Fairfax parklands.
Spreading Words of Kindness
Cards are a great way to celebrate any holiday, and this month offers the perfect opportunity to make Valentines for those that could use a little extra cheer, including but not limited to soldiers, hospital patients, or members of your neighborhood or community. If you have older children who like to write, visit the Love For Our Elders website and work together to draft some letters for participating seniors.
However you choose to participate, we wish you and your family a fun and productive Weekend of Service. Be sure to save this post as a resource for any time your children are looking to bring a little extra joy or comfort to the world around them!