4 ways to give back to the community on MLK Day

Here's a list of upcoming volunteer opportunities on the Activate Good website that could not only help our communities but help bridge gaps to our fellow neighbors.

Posted 12:00 p.m. Jan 11, 2022 — Updated 12:26 p.m. Jan 17, 2022

Jamei McGee

, WRAL contributor

RALEIGH, N.C. — When I think of Martin Luther King Jr Day, it makes me emotional. I remember the shows, movies, and talks from my childhood. He was such an inspiring man, and though many people think it was so long ago what he was fighting (because of all the black-and-white photos and videos) it wasn’t. Although we have seen a progressive movement, it’s sad to see, hear and feel other things which have not changed.

This year I encourage you to get yourself and your loved ones involved in your community. I’ve always lived in diverse communities. For my family, it was important to see and experience other cultures while also feeding back into the community. I volunteer through my church, school and neighborhood.

Here’s a list of upcoming volunteer opportunities on the Activate Good website that could not only help our communities but help bridge gaps to our fellow neighbors.

Please follow local and state COVID-19 guidelines for all events. These opportunities will be between Friday, Jan. 14- Sunday, Jan. 23:

Host or donate to a Hygiene Drive by the Diaper Bank of NC - You must be at least 18 years old or have parental supervision to host a diaper drive in you area. These events collect diapers and menstrual toiletries. Right now the urgent need is for preemie, newborn and size 1 diapers, 2T/3T, 4T-5T pull-ups and adult incontinence pull-ups in size L and 2XL. Any open packages will be quarantined following CDC guidelines before being wrapped up and distributed. Get information about hosting a diaper drive, see their Amazon wishlist and find out where to bring donations on this website.

Plant a tree - There will be a Tree Planting for Water Quality event at Hunter Tract on Jan. 14 and 15. You’ll be helping plant a variety of trees and shrubs on the Tar River near Butner and Stem. You must be 10 years or older or at least 8 years old with parental supervision. This opportunity will be located at 830 Roberts Chapel Road in Stem on Jan. 14 and 15 from 1 to 4 p.m. If the weather is bad, the events will be moved to Jan. 21-22. Get more information and sign up.

HELPS Education Fund Material Assembly Event - You must be 13 years or older to volunteer for this event, which includes packing binders for teachers and students for the HELPS literacy program. The event is Jan. 17 from 9 a.m. to noon and 1-5 p.m at 3915 Beryl Road in Raleigh. Get information and sign up on the Activate Good website.

Help the Salvation Army of Wake County - The Salvation Army at 205 Tryon Road in Raleigh needs help organizing, restocking and painting on Jan. 15 and 18. You have to be 18 years old or 13 years old with parental supervision to volunteer for restocking and organizing. You have to be 18 years or older for painting. Get information and sign up for restocking and organizing here and for painting here.

See more volunteer opportunities via the Activate Good website or on the United Way of the Greater Triangle website.

Jamei McGee is the mother of three girls and documents her life on social media @JameiMcGee.

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