Skip to content

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, 2025 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

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.

Morning Session: 9:45 AM - 11:00 AM

  • Activities: Board games, Coloring, Reading
  • Transportation: Yes, transportation provided

Morning Sign Up

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

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: Sunday, January 19, 2025
  • Time: 7:00 AM - 4:00 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.

Sign Up Coming Soon

MLK Day of Service: Unity March

Merced Amtrak Station

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: 9:30 AM
  • Date: Monday, January 19, 2025
Interested in Having a Booth? Community members and organizations are welcome to participate by setting up a booth. Contact information will be provided soon.

Unity March Sign Up

MLK Unity March Flyer

MLK Day of Service: D. St. Shelter

Details Coming Soon

Support our local community by volunteering at the D. St. Shelter. More details about time, activities, and how you can help will be announced soon.
Details Coming Soon: Event information, registration, and logistics will be available shortly. Check back for updates!

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.