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MLK Day of Service


MLK Day of Service

A Day On, Not a Day Off

Join UC Merced in honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy through service to our community. This national day of service is a time to come together, give back, and work toward the beloved community Dr. King envisioned.

"Life's most persistent and urgent question is, 'What are you doing for others?'"
— Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

About MLK Day of Service

Monday, January 19, 2026 is Martin Luther King Jr. Day - a National Day of Remembrance for one of America's greatest equality activists, and a true symbol of justice. The National Museum of African American History & Culture states the "King Holiday" Bill was signed into law on November 2, 1983, designating the 3rd Monday in January a federal holiday.

The Community Engagement Center invites the UC Merced Campus: students, staff, faculty, & alumni to engage in service to honor the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. Provided below is a menu of different service projects you can join in honor of MLK Day.

Important Information:
  • All service projects listed are Catlife and CollegeCorps eligible
  • Certain service projects provide limited transportation while others do not - please read the details carefully
  • If you have questions or need accommodations, please email communityservice@ucmerced.edu

Service Opportunities

MLK Day of Service: Unity March

Merced Amtrak Station - 324 W 24th St, Merced, CA

Join the community in honoring Dr. King's legacy through a unity march. We need volunteers to help make this event a success by supporting various aspects of the march and community celebration.

Volunteer Opportunities:

  • March with walkie talkies to assist with coordination
  • Help backstage with event logistics
  • Assist vendors and manage parking lot
  • Distribute information to participants

Event Details:

  • Volunteer Arrival Time: 10:00 AM
  • Date: Monday, January 19, 2026

Unity March Sign Up

MLK Unity March Flyer

MLK Day of Service: MLK Program

Merced Theater - 301 W Main St. Merced, CA 95340

Support the celebration that brings together diverse community members, local leaders, and UC Merced for a day honoring Dr. King's legacy.

Event Details:

  • Volunteer Arrival Time: 11:00 AM
  • Date: Monday, January 19, 2026
  • Assist with welcoming attendees and checking in performers and vendors

MLK Program Sign Up

Park Merced Senior Living

3050 M St., Merced

Join us at Park Merced Senior Living to engage with residents through recreational activities. Choose from two time slots based on your availability.

Monday, January 19

Morning Session: 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

  • Activities: Board games, Coloring, Reading & more!
  • Transportation: Yes, limited transportation will be provided.

Morning Sign Up

Monday, January 19

Afternoon Session: 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM

  • Activities: Assist with bingo
  • Transportation: No transportation provided.

Afternoon Sign Up

Note: Both sessions are Catlife and CollegeCorps eligible. Please arrive on time for your selected session.

MLK Day of Service: Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park - All spots are filled. Please email communityservice@ucmerced.edu to join the waitlist. 

Join us for a full day of service at Yosemite National Park in collaboration with the Yosemite Leadership Program (YLP). Support the park's volunteer awards event and contribute to essential operational activities.

Event Details:

  • Date: Monday, January 19, 2026
  • Time: 7:30 AM - 5:00 PM
  • Partner: In collaboration with Yosemite Leadership Program (YLP)

Service Activities:

  • Event setup for volunteer awards
  • Sorting clothing donations and display setup
  • Helping guests and providing event support
Note: This is a full-day service opportunity. Transportation details and additional information will be provided upon registration. Catlife and CollegeCorps eligible.

Spots Filled

MLK Day of Service: D St. Shelter

 317 E 15th St, Merced, CA

Volunteers will come together with Mayor Serratto for MLK Day of Service at the D Street Shelter to uplift a space that provides safety, compassion, and warm meals for individuals experiencing homelessness.

Event Details:

  • Volunteer Arrival Time: 5:00 PM
  • Date: Monday, January 19, 2026
  • Transportation: Yes, limited transportation will be provided. 

D St. Shelter Sign Up

Be the Change

Service is more than a single day—it's a commitment to building a better community. Join us in honoring Dr. King's vision through action and service.

Visit the CEC View Calendar

Questions? Contact the Community Engagement Center at KL 190

Monday - Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

You can also email us

Instagram CEC Calendar Submit Service Hours

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