Each year, people across the United States come together on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday to observe the only federal holiday that is designated as a National Day of Service. For the past 16 years, Athens has been a part of this nationwide movement. Last year, more than 750 volunteers made Martin Luther King, Jr. Day “A Day On and Not a Day Off” at 17 different community sites. This year, the MLK Day of Service Steering Committee is looking for project sites as well as local funds to make those projects more meaningful and sustainable.

Non-profit organizations or government agencies interested in hosting a volunteer project should complete the Project Site Application Forms found at www.accgov.com/mlkday and submit them by Wednesday, November 28. Full submission and event details are included on the application. Potential sites will be divided into two categories based on size: central sites (50 or more volunteers) and affiliate sites (less than 50 volunteers).

Financial and in-kind sponsors are also needed to help make this large community event a success. Three sponsorship levels are available (cash or materials equivalent): Platinum ($1,000 or more), Gold ($500 - $999), and Silver ($200-$499). Monies will go toward project materials such as mulch, paint, and/or tools, as well as t-shirts and breakfast for volunteers. Sponsorship forms and complete descriptions of sponsorship levels are available at www.accgov.com/mlkday.