2022 MLK DAY OF SERVICE : Due to the recent rise in COVID cases, The Volunteer Center (VC) offered this year’s MLK Day of Service volunteers remote project kits to finish at home and bring back to the VC for delivery to local nonprofits. The volunteer community responded with overwhelming generosity, and made 164 blankets and hundreds of other meaningful goods for the struggling clients of many supportive organizations. Continue reading to see pictures of some of our loyal volunteers and their finished products. And if you’re looking for activities to do at home with your friends or family during this wintry, indoor season, you’ll also find some great ideas — with complete instructions — that you can do anytime.
ViewAdditional Opportunities to Learn and Serve on MLK Day Although we will not be hosting our MLK Day of Service in person this year, we would like to provide volunteers…
ViewOur annual Martin Luther King, Jr. celebration looked a little different this year, but the Volunteer Center still found ways to honor his enduring legacy of social justice and service by sponsoring 2 Covid-safe community initiatives. First, we were proud to partner with HEROS (Healing Everyday Racism in the Schools) to engage the community in a thought-provoking MLK LEGACY Workshop that focused on Dr. King’s 1965 speech in Winnetka and the concrete steps we can take locally to create Dr. King’s “Beloved Community”. Then, in keeping with our tradition of engaging in service on MLK Day, the VC also invited volunteers from the community to participate in our signature DIY no-sew fleece blanket donation program for homeless shelters and refugees. Instead of working side by side, families made 50+ blankets remotely during MLK “Week” that were distributed to local nonprofits. Continue Reading for more details about these 2 meaningful community events.
ViewThe Community House in Winnetka was once again the location of this year’s MLK, Jr. Day of Service, hosted by the Volunteer Center and Winnetka Youth Organization (WYO) on Monday, January 20. Hundreds of generous volunteers participated in hands-on projects that benefitted multiple local nonprofits. NEW THIS YEAR — All levels of musicians and vocalists were invited to perform in honor of Dr. King’s legacy of peace, equality, patriotism — and harmony. Continue reading for more details about the day, and nonprofits who were grateful beneficiaries.
ViewAn infectious spirit of giving filled the Winnetka Community House on Monday, January 15 as almost 600 volunteers — families, friends, scout troops, community groups and individuals of all ages — gathered to celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s enduring message of tolerance, diversity and service. A variety of fun service projects benefiting ten local nonprofits and the people they serve were offered, and volunteers created and donated over 1,200 blankets, scarves, dog toys, cards, bracelets, placemats and other gifts for people in need throughout Chicago. An Open Mic forum also offered community members an opportunity to share their thoughtful reflections on the relevance of the message and legacy of Dr. King today. This is always a terrific community activity, and we are grateful for the support and generosity of everyone who came. Read more info about the nonbprofits we supported and see photos from the event here. See you next year!
ViewVolunteers of all ages turned out on a rainy day for our annual Day of Service honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and celebrating his enduring message of tolerance, diversity and service. At this year’s event on January 17th, The Volunteer Center, The Kindness Connection and the Winnetka Community House hosted hundreds of dedicated volunteers, who participated in a variety of fun service projects benefiting over a dozen local nonprofits and the people they serve. Thanks to generous community support we delivered hundreds of blankets for the homeless, welcome gifts for refugees, and thoughtful gifts for those who are sick or in need — even toys for orphaned animals! Find out more — and check out photos from the event– here.
ViewThe Volunteer Center sponsors many wonderful opportunities throughout the school year for you and your whole family to volunteer your time in service to those in need in our community. Click here for this year’s dates — and watch this website for more detailed information throughout the year about how you can make a difference at these fun community events.
ViewOver 700 volunteers of all ages and abilities joined the Volunteer Center, The Kindness Connection, the Winnetka Historical Society and the Winnetka Community House at this year’s MLK, Jr. Day of Service, benefiting 13 local nonprofits — and celebrating the 50th anniversary of Dr. King’s visit to the Winnetka Village Green. Watch the video presentation “Civil Rights on the North Shore: Bringing the Movement home documenting the efforts of the North Shore Summer Project in the early 60’s.
ViewComing up: Kids Against Hunger. Click here for more information.
ViewOver 600 volunteers of all ages helped make this year’s MLK Jr. Day of Service a success. Thanks to everyone who came and everyone who helped — and to the Winnetka Community House for providing a great venue.
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