Serve & Give Back: MLK Days of Service Across Memphis, January 17-20, 2025
Each January, communities across the nation come together to honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. through acts of service. This year, from Friday, January 17 to Monday, January 20, 2025, Memphis invites you to join thousands of volunteers rolling up our sleeves to make a difference. Dr. King’s enduring message of unity, equity, and community resonates as we gather to serve alongside family, friends, and neighbors.
Why Serve on MLK weekend?
Dr. King believed in the power of collective action and the importance of giving back to create a just and equitable society. The MLK Days of Service transform this belief into tangible action. There are dozens of shifts to choose from that can fit your schedule or skill set.
Opportunities to Serve in Memphis
1. Park Projects
Work to beautify some of Memphis’ iconic parks by participating in trash pick-ups, trail maintenance, and landscaping efforts. The Wolf River Conservancy project with T.O. Fuller State Park focuses on revitalizing historically significant areas to honor Dr. King’s commitment to community pride. Other opportunities are around the city at Lichterman Nature Center, Shelby Farms Park, and Overton Park.
2. Food Drives and Distribution
Help ensure that families in need have access to nutritious meals. Pack meal boxes at the Mid-south Food Bank. Or bring non-perishable food items to the National Civil Rights Museum to receive discounted admission to the celebrations.
3. Community Clean-Ups
Join friends in neighborhoods across Memphis in collaboration with organizations like V&E Greenline and Memphis City Beautiful. Projects include sprucing up garden beds, cleaning street corners, and planting trees to create safe and inviting spaces.
4. Support for Shelters and Outreach Services
Thistle & Bee and Room in the Inn-Memphis support some of our most vulnerable neighbors year-round, providing safe spaces as they rebuild their lives with dignity and hope. Help prepare a new clinic to serve health needs or serve meals to guests. Any support directly affects these important missions.
5. Education and the Next Generation
Participate in a unique opportunity to support the ongoing learning that Girls Inc. provides throughout the year. Their new urban garden location is preparing for its first semester with students. Join in the fun of preparing the space for the spring growing season.
Getting involved is easy:
- Sign Up for Projects: Visit volunteerodyssey.com to register for opportunities at some amazing organizations that really need your help!
- Organize Your Own Event: Gather family and neighbors to complete a meaningful project right on your own block.
- Share Your Experience: Use social media to inspire others by sharing your service journey with hashtag #MLKDaysOfService and tag @volunteerodyssey.
A Legacy of Service
Dr. King’s legacy reminds us that change begins with individuals willing to take action. By dedicating your time and energy during the MLK Days of Service, we hope to honor his dream and contribute to building a stronger, more compassionate Memphis.
This January, let’s stand united in service. Together, we can continue the work of making Dr. King’s dream a reality—one act of kindness at a time.
This blog was written by Caroline Norris
Caroline Norris is the President and CEO of Volunteer Odyssey, a nonprofit that lives for the dream that we can connect the right volunteers to the right place at the right time every time to create a better Memphis. She loves to explore our amazing parks and to indulge at our local restaurants.