MLK Day of Service call for volunteers

From Athens-Clarke County Leisure Services

Athenians are invited to honor Dr. King's legacy at the annual Athens-Clarke County Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service on Monday, January 19, 2026.

In 1994, Congress made the Martin Luther King Jr. federal holiday an official day of service. Athens-Clarke County is one of the thousands of cities across the United States that decides to make the holiday "A Day On and Not a Day Off.”

This year’s kick-off celebration will take place from 8:30 to 9:30 AM at the Lay Park Gymnasium (297 Hoyt Street). The first 400 registered volunteers at the kick-off will receive a free t-shirt, and light morning refreshments will be served.

Following the kick-off from 10:00 AM to noon, 30+ community organizations, government agencies, cemeteries and schools will host volunteer service projects. Participating organizations include Acceptance Recovery Center, the Athens Community Council on Aging, Books for Keeps, Friends of Brooklyn Cemetery, Historic Athens, Project Safe, the YWCO, and more.

Online volunteer registration will open in late December and close at noon on Friday, January 16, 2026. Those interested in participating can find the registration link at www.accgov.com/mlkday  Limited day-of registration will be available at the kick-off event.

For more information, visit www.accgov.com/mlkday or email athensgamlkday@gmail.com.