“Greatness is determined by service.”- Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Each year, on the third Monday of January, our nation recognizes and celebrates Dr. Martin Luther King Jr’s birthday, not with a cake or presents, but with gifts that inspire change. Individuals, families, and organizations across the country honor the civil rights activist’s life and legacy through service, volunteering in their communities to make an impact in the lives of others.
MLK Day is not just a day off — it is a Day On — and offers a great opportunity to talk with children about why service matters. Whether you volunteer together, attend community events, or learn about Dr. King’s life and values, the day invites families to reflect on how caring for others strengthens our community. These shared experiences help young people understand that service isn’t limited to a single day — it’s something we practice through everyday choices and actions.
By engaging children in acts of service and reflection, we help instill the importance of compassion, responsibility, and civic participation — values that remain central to Dr. King’s legacy and to the future of our communities.
The best part about MLK Day of Service is that it encourages volunteering and giving back all year long. While Martin Luther King Day comes but once a year, the opportunity to serve is available all the time. Here are a few Baltimore-area organizations that offer opportunities to volunteer throughout the year.
MARYLAND FOOD BANK
Working year-round to combat food insecurity, the Maryland Food Bank is dedicated to feeding people, strengthening communities, and ending hunger for Marylanders. Sign up for volunteer opportunities at the Baltimore warehouse for individuals and groups. Volunteers help sort and pack food items for thousands of Maryland families.
THE BALTIMORE STATION
The Baltimore Station helps veterans and community members transitioning out of homelessness and recovery programs rebuild their lives. Supporters and volunteers can provide and serve meals, organize in-kind donation drives, coordinate service projects, and lead classes for their residents.
UNITED WAY OF CENTRAL MARYLAND
Local programs focus on housing, health, economic advancement, and education across central Maryland. The United Way accepts donations and volunteers year-round and serves as a hub that connects volunteers with trusted community partners. Family-friendly volunteer opportunities are available throughout the year. These flexible opportunities are ideal for individuals, families, or groups looking to give back together.
THE 6TH BRANCH
An environmental equity group that works hard to bring green spaces to Baltimore City communities, the 6th Branch offers a lot of ways to be involved. Volunteer tasks typically include basic landscaping, minor demolition, overgrowth removal, trash cleanup, and more. Youth groups, educational groups (schools and colleges), and individuals are invited to volunteer.
DOING GOOD TOGETHER
Sign up for the Doing Good Together newsletter to explore more family-friendly and teen volunteer opportunities in Baltimore City in 2026. Visit their website here to subscribe.
How To Honor Doctor King At Home
Even with many in-person events to choose from, there are several fun and educational ways to celebrate Dr. King’s legacy with your children at home. Here are some ideas to consider:
- Read an MLK book or watch a movie about diversity, equity, and inclusion.
- Read a children’s book about Dr. King and the Civil Rights Movement. You can honor Dr. King’s legacy by choosing children’s books about anti-racism, social justice, and more.
- Talk about racial inequality and social justice with your child and with your family. Research shows that talking with children about these topics has a lasting, positive impact on their development.
- For younger kids, make a “Peace” craft to celebrate the life of Martin Luther King Jr. Use art and creativity to celebrate Dr. King’s legacy of peace and love. Draw and color peace signs to hang in your window, paint a dove using your child’s handprint, or create a heart garland to drape over the front door.
- Plant a tree as a living tribute to MLK and honor the life of Martin Luther King Jr. While planting, discuss King’s belief that a society grows great when men plant trees in whose shade they know they shall never sit. Progress, like a tree, needs time to take root.
- Create your own day of service. Take time to visit americorps.com with your child and learn more about how you can create your own event and encourage kids in your community to volunteer and be of service–because serving others has a profound positive benefit on those who volunteer.
- Discuss your kids’ dreams. Talking to your children about their hopes and dreams, both big and small, will be a meaningful catalyst for important family discussions.
To all of the service day volunteers and participants, we thank you for making an impact in our community!
*This post was updated on January 27, 2026.