The 2007 Celebration of Service in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is Saturday, January 13 - Save the date!

On the Saturday before Dr. Martin Luther King Day, Chicago Cares will bring together thousands of volunteers for the Celebration of Service. It’s a day to reflect on Dr. King’s messages of service and activism – and put those messages into action.

An inspiring opening ceremony featuring music, Dr. King’s own words, and important keynote speakers energizes everyone in attendance.

After opening ceremonies, corporate teams, community leaders and individuals direct their energies into meaningful service projects throughout Chicago or thought-provoking workshops. Often entire classes of Chicago public high school students who are studying Dr. King will participate. Some volunteers provide companionship to seniors and adults with disabilities; others conduct educational activities at a neighborhood club or participate in thought provoking workshops. Through it all, participants discover the power of volunteerism and the difference one person can make.

Projects with People
Volunteers will engage in a variety of projects working directly with people, ranging in age from young children to seniors. Projects may include crafts and companionship with seniors and adults with disabilities, games and educational activities with children, or citizenship coaching. Projects with people are an important way to get involved in the lives of those in our community.

Hands-on Projects
Building, planting, painting and organizing are just a few of the tasks on the hands-on project list. Hands-on projects represent a wide variety of work tasks, but all will make a difference in Chicago and offer the chance to dig in and see a change. Volunteers might brighten schools with a new coat of paint or a colorful mural, sort and pack thousands of pounds of food at pantries and shelters across the city, organize and box thousands of pairs of shoes to be sent to under-resourced parts of the world, or change the face of a Chicago Public School library by re-shelving and cataloging books so students can use them.

Workshop Series
Participants will enjoy educational and interactive forums on topics relevant to Dr. King and his legacy, critical social issues, race relations here in Chicago and more. All workshops are designed to encourage discussion and focus on tangible ways to get engaged in service and make a difference. Workshops are presented in partnership with the Anti Defamation League.

View event sponsorship opportunities. For more information about becoming a sponsor of the 2007 event, please contact Barbara Khalouf at 312.780.0800 x147 or cos@chicagocares.org.

Back to Top