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Honoring Martin Luther King Jr. / Day of Service in Smyrna Vinings

Martin Luther King Jr. Day is Jan. 17

By Courtney Spencer January 13, 2022

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. described a “fierce urgency of now” when he spoke at the March on Washington in 1963. Now, nearly 60 years later, his words have renewed meaning. They remind us we are stronger when we march forward, together.

In recognition of Dr. King’s legacy of service and leadership to gain equality for all Americans, Congress designated the Martin Luther King Jr. federal holiday as a national day of service in 1994. AmeriCorps leads the effort each year.

Observed each year on the third Monday in January — which falls on Jan. 17 in 2022 — the MLK Day of Service is the only federal holiday designated as a national day of service. Since its inception, MLK Day of Service has grown and its impact has increased as more Americans embraced the idea that citizenship involves taking an active role to make communities better. 





Serving on MLK Day can be an entry point for ongoing volunteer effort and help build connections that strengthen communities. Through service we can build more equitable and just communities to underpin racial equity, expand civic opportunities, and foster respect for individual differences — all great lessons for our children. 

With that in mind, here are 5 family-friendly service opportunities in Smyrna Vinings:

Do you know of a family-friendly or kid-friendly volunteer opportunity not listed here? Please reach out to mackidsmyrnavinings@macaronikid.com and we'll add it to our list!

Habitat for Humanity NW Metro Atlanta

Ongoing need- Groups and Individuals can find opportunities to Donate and Volunteer.  

Must Ministries

Ongoing need- Must accepts individuals and groups to donate and volunteer.  There are also opportunities for Adults as well as minors.  

The center for Family Resources

A Cobb County-based organization that works exclusively to serve local families and individuals that are either homeless or in danger of becoming homeless. Reach out via their website to find more about current needs.

Mostly Mutts

Ongoing need- Our mission of rescuing the many unwanted, abandoned, injured and abused animals would be impossible without the continued support of our volunteers and community. 

Hands on Atlanta

Ongoing need- This is a favorite of my family.  Hands on Atlanta is a hub for community service needs throughout the Metro Atlanta Area.  You can tailor your search to find the ideal community service event for individuals, families, or groups. Opportunities are offered continuously, year round.  


How kids can help ... from home

Want more ideas on how to give back to your community that you can do from home? Here are some age-appropriate ideas you can do from home:

Kindergarten - 2nd Grades

  • Make cards or pictures for nursing home residents locally or find letter requests here! 
  • Fill Little Free Libraries or Little Free Pantries
  • Package care bags for people without housing or otherwise in need
  • Collect old towels and blankets and deliver to an animal shelter

3rd - 5th Grades

6th Grade and Up

  • Participate in charity walks or runs
  • Foster a pet as a family
  • Make and donate masks to local family shelters
  • Start a club at your school that promotes volunteerism throughout the year
  • Initiate a park clean up or beautification project
  • Install a buddy bench at a school