Volunteers sought for C. Oregon MLK Day of Service

Hundreds of volunteers are needed for the seventh annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service on Monday, Jan. 18, 2016. Several nonprofits in Bend, Redmond and Prineville have developed MLK Day projects — creating a need for hundreds of volunteers to paint, build, arrange flowers, craft valentines, make dog beds and more.

Volunteer Connect organizes the holiday event, which takes place from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Last year, over 385 volunteers donated their time to 20 projects sponsored by area nonprofits — resulting in more than 1,170 hours of service to the community.

Volunteers are encouraged to register now for the MLK Day of Service. Registration ends Friday, Jan. 15, but available spots are likely to fill up before then. Groups and individuals of all ages are invited.

Interested volunteers can browse the full list of projects and register for the MLK Day of Service by clicking on the “MLK Day” button at www.volunteerconnectnow.org.

2016 Marks Seventh Year

Volunteer Connect has encouraged over 1,788 volunteers in the past six years to participate in the annual event, contributing over 5,300 hours of service to Central Oregon nonprofits. The regional event is part of a nation-wide day of service on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, the only federal holiday observed as such and as a “day on, not a day off.”

“The MLK Day of Service has turned into a Central Oregon tradition that connects neighbors and provides valuable service and support to nonprofits across the region,” said Volunteer Connect Executive Director, Betsy Warriner. “People of all ages can spend a few hours making a difference in their community and helping create what Dr. King called the ‘Beloved Community.'”

Event organizer Katya Spiecker says that the holiday opens doors for those new to volunteering who want to test the waters. “MLK Day of Service is the perfect opportunity for people to try out volunteering for a day. Quite often, volunteers find that the experience is so gratifying that they decide to volunteer on a regular basis,” says Spiecker. “That’s exactly what Dr. King envisioned: empowered individuals who see ways to strengthen their communities, bridge barriers, and take action.”

Volunteer Connect’s Mission

Volunteer Connect links community members with rewarding volunteer opportunities to enhance Central Oregon. We partner with non-profit and public organizations to recruit and connect volunteers, matching volunteer interests and skills with community needs.