United in Service on MLK Day: Serving Together to Honor Dr. King’s Legacy

Across the country, communities honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day as a National Day of Service, a day on, not a day off. UServeUtah–along with America250 Utah, the Division of Multicultural Affairs, and Thanksgiving Point–brought more than 500 volunteers together for a United in Service MLK Day project on Monday, January 19, at Thanksgiving Point in Lehi, inviting individuals and families to honor Dr. King’s legacy through hands-on service.

Serving Families When It Matters Most

The service projects focused on meeting real, immediate needs for families and children in our community. Volunteers supported the Ronald McDonald Family Room at Primary Children’s Hospital, which provides a place of comfort for families while their child receives critical care. They also addressed weekend food insecurity faced by local elementary students when school meals are unavailable.

Volunteers worked together to support children and families across Utah, accomplishing an incredible amount in just a few hours:

  • 2,500 care kits assembled, including overnight kits and protein packs for families staying at Ronald McDonald House
  • Weekend meal kits created for children in the Alpine School District
  • Hundreds of bracelets and cards crafted for patients at Primary Children’s Hospital

Each kit, card, and bracelet represented compassion in action, small but powerful reminders that service can make a real difference.

Building Connections Through Service

In addition to the tangible impact, many volunteers shared how much they enjoyed learning about the organizations involved and discovering new ways to stay engaged in their communities. Events like this not only meet immediate needs, but also help spark ongoing service and connection.

Thank You for Showing Up

We are deeply thankful to everyone who brought their time, energy, and families to serve alongside us. Seeing our community come together on a holiday to uplift others was a meaningful way to honor Dr. King’s vision of collective action and shared responsibility.

Photos & Videos: Check out event photos and videos

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What Are United in Service Projects?

UServeUtah's United in Service projects bring communities together through meaningful volunteerism. These projects help people grow personally, build connections, and address specific community needs. We achieve this by working closely with local partners to create each project.

If you're ready to experience this firsthand, we invite you to join us! We host these impactful projects quarterly throughout the state, giving you consistent opportunities to contribute. You can be the first to know about an opportunity near you by signing up for our newsletter. 

Beyond volunteering, you can also propose a project idea for your community.