See Local MLK Day 2021 Service Projects, Events

MARLBOROUGH, MA — 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 the region 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.

Here are some events and activities for the holiday in the area. If you have an event you want added, email neal.mcnamara@patch.com.

• The group One Marlborough will hold its first MLK Day celebration featuring the Rev. Vernon Walker.
• Worcester's annual MLK Day breakfast at Quinsigamond Community College will be held virtually this year and feature Atlanta Rev. John Vaughn.
• Natick will hold a virtual MLK event featuring local clergy and other speakers, and presentations from middle and high school students.
• The group Massachusetts Standing Up for Racial Justice will hold a stand-out for social justice (socially distanced) in downtown Framingham.
• The Framingham Democratic Committee is collected donations for the group Dignity Matters.
• The Marlborough Democratic City Committee is collecting donations for the Community Cupboard.
• Although not tied to the holiday, Sudbury is looking for residents to serve on the town's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Commission.
• Beginning at 6 p.m. Monday, UMass Memorial will host a panel discussion with Black health experts about coronavirus and the approved vaccines.

Even if there aren’t any organized service projects planned nearby, there are several other ways to help those in need in the area.

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.