On the third Monday of January, Americans will observe a day honoring the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. 

On October 3, 1983, a measure to declare Dr. King’s birthday a national holiday was submitted by U.S. Representative John Conyers (D-Michigan) and U.S. Senator Edward Brooke (R-Massachusetts) in Congress. The bill was eventually passed into law. 

You have the option to participate in Dr. King’s National Day of Service by offering your services in commemoration of the drum major for justice, while the nation observes this holiday by taking the day off from work or school. 

In keeping with that, join Harvesters—The Community Food Network on Saturday, January 13, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., and Monday, January 15, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., at their Topeka volunteer center as they celebrate King’s legacy with two Days of Service.  

In addition to helping Harvesters pick and package food during four two-hour periods, volunteers are urged to bring donations.   

In Topeka, volunteer organizations include the following: 

Saturday:  

9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.  

St. Francis Xavier Catholic Youth  

1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. 
Fellowship Bible Church  

Monday:  

9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.  
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority  

Delta Sigma Theta

12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. 
Top City Step Team 

2:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Highland Park School Basketball Team

Please note: There will be no volunteer activity happening between 11:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m.  

Harvesters President and CEO Stephen Davis spoke on the importance of participating in Dr. King’s National Day of Service.

Dr. King’s legacy is one of giving of oneself for the benefit of their neighbors. Our volunteers embody that spirit all year long, but we are excited to pay special tribute to such an inspiring man on his birthday. 

Groups and individuals are still welcome to participate in shifts, and those who are interested can register by clicking here.

Also, In honor of Dr. King, people seeking further ways to give back might want to consider making a contribution to Harvesters you can do so by clicking here.