MLK Day Service Projects: How To Help In Arlington Heights

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, IL — Martin Luther King Jr. Day has been designated by groups and organizations nationwide as "a day on" since the third Monday of January was designated a national holiday in memory of the late civil rights icon. Even during the coronavirus pandemic, there are ways to make a positive difference in Arlington Heights on the Jan. 18 holiday this year.

Organized service projects have taken the place of the traditional work or school holiday in recent years. But in 2021, restrictions in place to slow the further spread of the coronavirus are impacting the ability to perform some good deeds.

COMMUNITY FOOD DRIVE

The Presbyterian Church of Arlington Heights, located at 302 N Dunton Ave., Arlington Heights, is hosting its third annual "Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service Community Food Drive and Lunch." Those interested in getting involved can participate in the drive-thru Community Food Drive from 9 a.m.-noon Sunday and Monday in the church parking lot. Volunteers will gather at the church to provide a safe and contactless drop-off. Find out more here.

DIAL-A-STORY: "HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR."

Call the Schaumburg Township Public Library at 847-923-3197 to hear this week's story: "Happy Birthday, Martin Luther King," by Jean Marzollo and read by Miss Amber. New stories available every Monday and Friday. Find out more here.

VIDEO COMPILATION OF COMMUNITY GATHERINGS IN HOFFMAN ESTATES

Over the past 18 years, the Village of Hoffman Estates has celebrated the life and legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. by hosting a community gathering, including a breakfast. Due to the coronavirus, the annual event isn't possible this year, but a video compilation of past gatherings is planned. The Cultural Awareness Commission said the video will feature past performances from the Sears Holdings Associate Gospel Choir, led by choir director Jeffrey Lomax; senior pastor Robbie Robinson and the Christian Tabernacle Church Choir of Roselle; and the Kingdom Impact Theater Ministries, which uses performing arts to entertain, equip, empower and educate people. The video also features “Strolling Down MLK Street,” performed by Michael and Vikki Myers, which shows how Dr. King and his wife might respond to what they see if walking down MLK Street today. The video will be available on YouTube at www.youtube.com/hoffmanestates... from Jan. 17 through Jan. 31, and it will also be shown on HETV channel 6/99. Find out more here.

Before the coronavirus pandemic, communities across the country held large events in various locations promoting service on the holiday.

Those have included Highland Park, where the local human relations advisory group usually draws about 1,200 people every year to a service program that has turned into one of the city’s signature yearly events.

This year, the city will hold a virtual program to “honor the legacy of Dr. King's fight against inequity and his work to secure a just future for all,” Amanda Civitello, communications manager for the city of Highland Park, said in a news release.

Even if there aren’t any organized service projects planned nearby, there are several other ways to help those in need in or near Arlington Heights.

Donating to nonprofit organizations, volunteering with food banks and pantries, and delivering meals and groceries to seniors are a few suggestions outlined by the national volunteer program AmeriCorps.

A list of organizations supporting COVID-19 response efforts had been made available by the National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster.