In the words of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’” On Jan. 19, approximately 250 high school students will answer this call to action as part of the annual MLK Day of Service in Snohomish County.

During this day of service, teen volunteers can choose from different hands-on projects throughout Snohomish County. Projects in Mountlake Terrace include building raised flower beds at the Mountlake Terrace Senior Center, and students and adult volunteers with carpentry skills are especially needed. Teams of students will be led by adult volunteers.

Marking its sixth year in Snohomish County, MLK Day of Service brings high school students and community volunteers together to serve the most vulnerable members of our community, transforming Dr. King’s life mission and teachings into community service.

“Dr. King believed that we should all play a part in transforming our community, and that message really resonates with teens,” said Dennis G. Smith, president and CEO of United Way of Snohomish County. “This national day of service is the perfect way for the young people in our community to help make their world a better place.”

Organizations like school clubs, scout troops and service groups who want to volunteer together are highly encouraged to register as a team. Teens can also register individually, too.

More details and registration information is online at www.uwsc.org/mlkday.php. For Instagram, Twitter and Facebook users, the hashtag for the event is #MLKDaySnoCo.

MLK Day of Service in Snohomish County is a partnership of United Way of Snohomish County, YMCA of Snohomish County, Catholic Community Services, Senior Corps-RSVP, and United Parcel Service.

HOW TO VOLUNTEER

Volunteers must sign up by Monday, Jan. 12 to participate.  If you’re a teen aged 14 -19, register online at www.uwsc.org/mlkday.php, or contact United Way’s Youth United program at youthunited@uwsc.org or 425-374-5530.  Volunteer slots at specific projects are on a space-available basis, so sign up soon!

Adult volunteers are also needed to lead each group of teen volunteers. If you are interested in volunteering to lead a team, please email Michelle Morris at michelle.morris@uwsc.org.