Volunteering with Kids in Dallas for MLK Day of Service

We’re always on the lookout for ways to get more involved in our communities, especially when we can include our kids. Martin Luther King Jr. Day is designated as a National Day of Service — take this opportunity to get children connected and engaged!

January 9 – 15
Dream the Impossible Dream | Dallas

The City of Dallas will host its 42nd annual celebration of the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with a weeks’ worth of events. A Day of Prayer, a Day of Service, a Wreath Laying Ceremony, Job Fair, Equity Symposium, Youth Summit, and Scholarship & Awards Gala make this a week-long celebration. Last but not least, the annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Parade will be on January 15. See below for more information on the parade!

January 13
Keep Up the Dream MLK Fest 2024 | Dallas

The Mission Continues honors Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy of service by joining forces with the MLK Clean Team Initiative to clean up the South Dallas Fair Park neighborhood. Join this annual rewarding experience, get your hands dirty, and clean up our beautiful city. Register at the link. 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

January 13
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Celebration | Rowlett

The City of Rowlett Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Commission is hosting their 3rd Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Community Event. This celebration will include passionate speakers, performers, vendors, and a “Continuing the Dream Contest” for local students. Visit the link above to enter the contest! 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

January 13
Martin Luther King Jr. Observance | Irving

This annual event features voices of the next generation — winners of the MLK Essay Contest share their thoughts on the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. This year’s celebration will also feature dance, song, poetry, and art performed by the Dallas Black Dance Theatre and Kamica King. Details on the youth essay contest for grades three through twelve are at the link. 6:00 p.m.

January 13
MLK Clean Team Initiative | Dallas

Part of MLK Celebration Week in Dallas, this day of service will focus on beautifying the Fair Park area. Shirts, lunch, and clean-up materials will be provided. Register at the link. 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

January 13
MLK Youth Extravaganza | Garland

Youth of the Garland ISD and community churches will perform in song, dance, acting and drill team selections. This is a free, family-friendly event. 4:00 p.m.

>> RELATED READ :: Love Your Neighbor: Best Places to Volunteer with Kids in Dallas <<

January 14
35th Annual MLK Parade | Garland

This Garland tradition starts on Dairy Road at Garden Drive, near Embree Park and ends on Austin Street. The celebration continues downtown with a performance of “Lift Every Voice” at the Granville Arts Center. 10:00 a.m.

January 14
Moss Haven Farm | Dallas

Moss Haven Farm in Lake Highlands has a service day on this Sunday in January. The purpose of the farm is for kids to develop a lifelong interest in responsible environmental practices, seek to live a healthy lifestyle, and cultivate a passion for giving back to the community. 9:00 – 11:00 a.m.

January 15
2024 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Parade | Dallas

As mentioned above, the City of Dallas and H.E.L.P. (Hope. Encourage. Love. Protect.) invite you to the annual parade featuring more than 200 entries from community organizations, church groups, youth groups, and nonprofits to bands, drill teams, colorful floats, and much more. 10:00 a.m.

January 15
Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service Event 2024 | Dallas

Helping Hands, Open Hearts is giving back to those who are often forgotten in the hustle and bustle of everyday life, our local senior citizens. They will be serving one hundred seniors at DaVita Dialysis Center, gifting blankets and goodie bags to those in need. Donations are appreciated. Details can be found at the link above. 7:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.

>> RELATED READ :: 15 Ways to Give Back in the New Year <<

Additional Ways to Volunteer . . .

AmeriCorps has a very user-friendly volunteer opportunity database. Enter your zip code and check the box for MLK Day to find volunteer opportunities near you. Hopefully lots more listings will pop up as we get closer to the day!

Similarly, Youth Service America has an MLK Day of Service hub. This is a particularly good resource for anyone interested in initiating a service project for scouts or other community groups. Check out these volunteer project ideas and tips to get you going.

UTD has a list of national and local opportunities for MLK Day of Service, several of which can be done from home if circumstances prevent you from being out and about right now.

Points of Light Global Network runs Engage, a platform for connecting community members with volunteer opportunities. Enter your zip code at the link to find a variety of volunteer opportunities.