Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is Monday, January 16, and there are many opportunities for families to serve the community in his honor. It’s great to have the day off from school and work, but it’s also a chance to have a conversation with your kids about service above self and the benefits of giving back.

Martin Luther King, Jr. devoted his entire life to civil rights. His impact and sacrifice can be felt all over the USA and in every corner of the world. If we could all give back, even just a little bit, the impact would be enormous. In that vein, the Volunteer Center of Madison County and the United Way of Madison County have aggregated some wonderful volunteer opportunities for families in Madison County. Please get in touch with them and learn about all the ways to give back to your community with your kids. You can also find some wonderful local service projects through the United We Serve website.

MLK Day Parades & Events

Huntsville MLK Day Parade

There’s not a Huntsville MLK Day Parade for 2023. But it’s never too late to plan for next year! You can spend the day reading great books about Martin Luther King with your kids and doing some fun MLK Crafts.

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Organized, Scheduled Volunteer Opportunities

Foster’s Corner Help Day

Date & Time: Monday, January 16, 2023 at 10 a.m.
Organization: Foster’s Corner
Location: 27594 Kim Drive, Harvest, AL 35749
Facebook Event or Facebook Page
Foster’s Corner gathers donations such a clothes and toys to supply to children within the foster care system, as well as children living with non-parental relatives. Families receive these items at no cost. Donations have been plentiful during the holidays, and Foster’s Corner needs help sorting through them at their storage location.

Litter Cleanup Volunteers Needed

Date & Time: Ongoing
Organization: Operation Green team
Location: Varies
www.thevolunteercentermc.org or Operation Green Team website
Volunteers and groups needed for litter cleanup on a once or ongoing basis. Cleanup supplies can be provided for an area you identify or we can help you select an area in need. Adopt-A-Mile routes are also available for those able to make an on-going commitment. All ages and ability levels are welcome and needed to Keep Huntsville Beautiful.
Ages: Any and all! Family-friendly.

Manna House Nightly Food Distribution

Date & Time: Monday, Wednesday, & Thursday: 4pm-7pm
Location: Manna House 2110 S. Memorial Parkway, Huntsville (map)
Contact: 256-503-4848
View Website
Come to Manna House and help distribute a daily provision of food for individuals, families, and the homeless in our community. We welcome anyone in need every time we are open. Primary foods available include canned goods, bread, breakfast items, and desserts. Read about our experiencing volunteering with kids at Manna House HERE.
Age: 18+, or kids assisting an adult.

Paws for Reading at Greater Huntsville Humane Society

Date & Time: Every Monday & Tuesday from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. (Volunteers sign up for a one hour slot)
Location: Greater Huntsville Humane Society
Contact: Marguerite Long
View Website
Read to a shelter cat or dog while growing confidence in your own reading abilities. Families sign up for an hour slot and read either in the cat room (an open roam room) or at the outdoor dog kennels. Children (6-15 years of age) can participate as long as they are accompanied by a parent. Volunteers (16 years of age and older) can participate without adult supervision. Reading costs $1 per person (cash only) to help offset the cost of paper, ink, chairs, and books.

DIY Service Opportunities

If any of the above dates, times, or locations are not convenient you still have options! Want to get younger kiddos involved? Host your own donation drives. From food to basic toiletries, all are needed in our area… pick your recipient and organize your own drive.

DIY Donation Drive for Senior Citizens

Date & Time: Date & Time of your choosing
Location: Supply Drive location of your choice.
Box Delivery Location: 701 Andrew Jackson Way Huntsville, AL
Box Drop off :M-F 8:30AM-4:30PM
www.thevolunteercentermc.org
You can host a senior citizen supply drive! At work, home, neighborhood, or just over social media, you can request donated items and then turn them in. Items needed: Socks, Blankets, Canned Foods with Pop Tops, Low Sodium Canned Items, $25 Walmart or Kroger Gift Cards, Shower Chairs, Tub Transfer Benches, Cardiac Walkers, Walking Canes, No Fragrance Toiletries (Shampoo, lotion, deodorant, soap, and shaving cream).
Ages: Any and all!

DIY Food Pantry Drive

Date & Time: Date & Time of your choosing
Location: Supply drive location of your choice.
Box Delivery Dates & Times: Anytime the agency offices listed below are open.

• Inside Out: M-F 9:30AM-2PM
• Asbury UMC : M-R 8-4:30PM at church office or Friday 8:30am-12:00pm
• Good Shepherd UMC: M-R 8-4:30PM at church office or Friday 8:30am-12:00pm
• Manna House: M, W, & R: 2PM (call for good time @ 256-503-4848)

Food Pantry Locations:

• Asbury UMC: 980 Hughes Road Madison AL 35758
• Good Shepherd UMC: 1418 Old Railroad Bed Road Madison AL 35757
• Inside-Out Ministries: 104 Gin Oaks Ct. Madison, AL 35758
• Manna House: 2110 S. Memorial Pkwy HSV, AL 35801

Food Pantry Website details or deliver food collected to Manna House 
You can host a food drive for your local food pantry. At work, home, neighborhood, or just over social media, you can request donated items and then turn them in. Items needed: jelly, pancake mix, syrup, canned fruits, condiments (ketchup, mustard, mayo), canned chicken, canned ham, canned tuna, canned veggies, applesauce, canned fruit, hearty soups, canned pasta, deodorant, shampoo, soaps, toilet paper, laundry detergent, general cleaners.
Age: any and all!

DIY Diaper Drive for Local Babies

Date & Time: Date & Time of your choosing
Location: Supply Drive location of your choice. We like the National Diaper Bank of North AL!
Delivery Location: 2000 Vernon Avenue, Huntsville, AL 35805
Diaper Drop off: M-F 8:30AM-4:30 PM
You can host a diaper drive! At work, home, neighborhood, or just over social media, you can request diapers and wipes and then turn them in to Huntsville’s National Diaper Bank location that serves local families in need.

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Our Favorite MLK Kid’s Books
Raising a Leader In Today’s World
Valentine Crafts for Busy Parents 

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