This month celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day in a way that honors his legacy of service and community uplift. The annual Martin Luther King Jr. Community Outreach Day at Brigham Young University invites everyone to come together for a day dedicated to making a positive impact in the community. Whether you’re an experienced volunteer or someone who is new to service, we have a project that will make your time unforgettable.
On Monday, January 20, 2025, we’ll gather at the Garden Court in the Wilkinson Center at BYU to kick off the day. Registration opens at 8:30 a.m., and to show our appreciation, the first attendees that arrive will receive a free T-shirt. All who register, will be able to enjoy a fresh and delicious donut to start the day.
Also to set the tone, we’re starting the event with a devotional hosted by the Simmons Center, featuring inspiring speakers and a musical performance. This will be a meaningful way to reflect on the legacy of Dr. King and the importance of service before we roll up our sleeves and get to work.
After the devotional, nearly 1,000 volunteers will break into groups and head to various service projects designed to meet critical needs in the community. We’ve thoughtfully organized a range of projects to fit all ages and interests, from family-friendly activities to projects best suited for adults or teens. Some will take place right on campus, including a project preparing eyeglasses for individuals who might otherwise go without, as well as a blood drive to support local healthcare needs.
Off-campus opportunities will also be available for those eager to connect more deeply with the wider community. Transportation need not be a worry, as free rides will be provided to and from BYU to all project locations, ensuring that volunteers can focus on making a difference. Off-campus projects include cleaning and organizing food banks, helping at local storehouses, visiting nursing homes to share some time and conversation with residents, and much more. There are several activities that await volunteers of every skill and interest level.
All off-campus projects will wrap up by noon, giving everyone a chance to reunite afterward to reflect on the many rewards gained from giving back.
By participating in MLK Community Outreach Day, participants will be part of a tradition that has been going strong for over 20 years. Each year, volunteers leave with lasting memories, new friendships, and the satisfaction of knowing they made a tangible difference. With so many projects thoughtfully curated to address pressing needs, we’re confident that each volunteer will experience the profound impact that one day of service can create in the community.
This event is organized through a partnership between BYU’s Y-Serve and the Simmons Center, which are both groups dedicated to encouraging and facilitating service for students and the broader community alike. Each project has been carefully planned to maximize the benefit to the people and organizations receiving assistance, making your time and effort incredibly meaningful.
Those who are interested, do not need to register ahead of time. Simply show up at the Wilkinson Center’s Garden Court at 8:30 a.m. on January 20. Bring your enthusiasm, your family, your friends—everyone who wants to make a difference. To learn more about Martin Luther King Jr. Community Outreach Day, visit yserve.byu.edu/community-outreach-day.
This MLK Day, let’s come together as a community and create a lasting impact through service. Join us in honoring Dr. King’s legacy by helping others and strengthening the bonds within our community. We look forward to serving alongside you!
By Jackson Hoopes, Jacob Wiles, Cole Warner, and Joshua Neely Y-Serve, Brigham Young University
