MLK Day offers volunteer events

This year, the city of Bloomington encourages students to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day a little differently.

The Bloomington Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commission designated the holiday as “A Day On, Not a Day Off.” The commission has sponsored the service-oriented day since 1998, said Craig Brenner, special projects coordinator in the Community and Family Resources Department.

“Instead of staying home and sleeping in and not going to class, this is an opportunity to benefit the community and people who need the help the most,” Brenner said.

King often said that one of life’s most important duties is serving others, Brenner said.

Because of this, people throughout the United States have honored King by participating in service events on MLK Day.

About 60 volunteer opportunities are available this weekend in which students and communities can participate, Brenner said. The city of Bloomington helps coordinate the events by providing funding for not-for-profit groups.

There are plenty of ways for students to get involved, Brenner said, including a birthday celebration for King on Monday night.

“There are all types of things people can do,” Brenner said. “They can volunteer or just come and take part in the festivities.”