Volunteers sought for MLK Jr. Day of Service

Hundreds of volunteers are needed for the sixth annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service on Monday, Jan. 19, 2015. Already, 20 nonprofits in Bend, La Pine, Prineville and Redmond have developed MLK Day projects — creating a need for over 300 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., and is followed by a complimentary lunch donated by Deschutes Brewery. Last year, over 220 volunteers donated their time to 10 projects sponsored by area nonprofits — resulting in more than 750 hours of service to the community.

Volunteers are encouraged to register now for the MLK Day of Service. Registration ends Jan. 16, 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.

Growth expected at 2015 event

Volunteer Connect has already recruited more nonprofits for the 2015 event than in prior years, and additional nonprofits may add even more projects by the Dec. 31 deadline. That means more opportunities for volunteers to make a difference in the New Year.

“The MLK Day of Service is 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.'”

The Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday is the only federal holiday observed as a day of service — a “day on, not a day off.” Over the past five years, more than 1,400 volunteers in Central Oregon have donated their time to local nonprofits on MLK Day.

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.