Values in Action: MLK Legacy of Service

Dec 20, 2022

Veterans and volunteers who serve with The Mission Continues consider Martin Luther King Jr. Day “A Day On, Not a Day Off.” This year, thousands of dedicated volunteers in service platoons across the country will participate in service projects led by veterans and in partnership with community-based organizations.  

We are bringing Dr. King’s values and lessons he taught to life and this is your chance to translate your shared values into action by volunteering during our Legacy Of Service campaign. The purpose of Legacy of Service is to bring people of all backgrounds together to continue what Dr. King did for our country: make it a better, stronger, more equal place. If Dr. King were alive today, what would he think of our Legacy Of Service? 

Here’s a snapshot of projects happening across the country that highlights some of Dr. King’s values. For a complete list of service projects in cities across the country, see our campaign page and check out what’s happening in a city near you!

volunteers from The Philadelphia Service platoon clear brush and debris from a community garden and green space during a service project. All are welcome to serve at service projects with The Mission Continues.

Philadelphia
The Philly Service Platoon is going to finalize a long-time service project at Martin Luther King High School. The school is a station for a JROTC program in Philadelphia that consistently serves with The Mission Continues on service projects throughout the year. Veterans and volunteers are excited to give back to their school by removing of old furniture, cleaning, patching, and repairing the gym locker rooms. 

Register here: https://www.missioncontinues.org/event/details/a1l8Z00000CKmakQAD/ 

Washington DC 
The DC Service Platoon we will be serving with Sousa Middle School, a school focused on building future leaders in the quest for social justice. The scope of work will include painting, organizing, sorting, and improving the ascetics of the school for both the students and educators. 

Register here: https://www.missioncontinues.org/event/details/a1l8Z00000CKnBYQA1/

Veterans and volunteers from the Washington DC Service Platoon fill raised garden beds in a public community garden. Projects like these help to combat food insecurity and eliminate food deserts.
Veterans use tools from their local Tool Bank to size, cut, and prepare materials that will be used to build structures and benches. Service projects are a great way for volunteers to learn new skills and become familiarized with tools.

Houston 
The Houston Service Platoon will work with Youngblood Intermediate School in Alief ISD to beautify and improve the facilities within their school. The high performing school features an “educational blending” of elementary and middle school concepts and has collectively contributed nearly 200 years of educational service to the Alief community. 

Register here: https://www.missioncontinues.org/event/details/a1l8Z00000Ak1AkQAJ/

Veterans and volunteers from the Colorado Service Platoon serve their community in partnership with the Food Bank of the Rockies, helping to pack and distribute food boxes to hundreds of families in need.

Colorado 

The Denver Service Platoon believes that for a community to thrive, every member must have the resources they need to flourish, and we strive to provide equitable access to proper nourishment for all. They will be serving with the Food Bank of the Rockies who has been fighting hunger and feeding hope since 1978 and is now the 14th largest food bank in the US. 

Register here: https://www.missioncontinues.org/event/details/a1l8Z00000CK9A4QAL/ 

Los Angeles 

The Los Angeles service platoon will work with the Watts Health Center this year to honor MLK’s example. Watts Healthcare started as a grassroots clinic in 1967. Watts Healthcare was birthed out of the Watts riots in 1965. Watts Healthcare serves those most in need of medical care and support in Los Angeles County. Watts Healthcare is a one-stop show that provides preventive care, same-day appointment clinic, adult care, pediatric care, maternal & child health, women’s care, and behavioral Health. 

Register here: https://www.missioncontinues.org/event/details/a1l8Z00000CKSR5QAP/ 

LA Platoon Leader and Marine Corps Veteran Josue Guerrero cuts wood in preparation for an upcoming service project outside of the local VFW post in Compton, CA. Veterans who serve with The Mission Continues come from all branches of military service and all walks of life.

For a complete list of service projects in cities across the country, see our campaign page and check out what’s happening in a city near you!  

Few events show the true meaning of selfless service more than the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. National Day of Service projects. 2023 will be no different, as our dedicated veteran-led volunteer force is preparing to deploy into under-resourced communities across the country in honor of MLK’s Legacy of Service. Our veterans, volunteers, and community partners need you to join them in these communities more than ever.