A Day of Service, or a Lifetime of Service?

Today, I gave my preschoolers homework.  Now, as a rule, I don’t endorse giving homework to preschoolers, but, in this case, I’ll make an exception.  Read on, and you’ll understand why…

Monday, January 19, is a school holiday commemorating Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday.  A holiday in the middle of sub-zero temperatures can be a great excuse to stay burrowed under the covers a little longer, maybe spend the day curled up with a good book by the fire, drinking hot chocolate.  Cozy, yes, but it seems to miss the point.

President-Elect Barack Obama has called on Americans to make Monday, January 19 a day of service, of helping others in our community.  This call continues a legacy that dates back to the inception of the King holiday, a notion that the day should be spent actively looking for ways to help others.  I recall one MLK holiday, about 15 years ago now, where I was one of 100-200 Public Allies volunteers who painted and cleaned as part of a school renovation project.

The call to service should never be just a one day publicity stunt.  Serving others should be as much a part of our lives as breathing, eating, and sleeping. The grand gestures (building a house, fixing up a school) are wonderful in their place, but often service wears humbler clothes (buying groceries to stock a local food bank, tutoring a struggling reader, stopping to check on a home-bound senior).  This kind of service can occur, not just on January 19, but on every day of the year.

There are many ways to provide service on January 19 — and beyond.  Here are ten practical suggestions to get you started.

1. Write a letter to someone who is not expecting it.  Real mail, the kind that arrives in an envelope with a stamp on it, can really brighten someone’s day.  Take 10-15 minutes to write a newsy, thoughtful letter to a grandparent, a solider in Iraq, the aunt who recently lost her husband, an aging friend, the teacher who helped you learn your multiplication tables, or the teacher who is currently making a difference in the life of your own son or daughter.  You’d be surprised what joy this simple act can bring.

2.  Donate blood.  The American Red Cross is desperately in need of blood donors.  If you are healthy and physically able to help out, your contribution will be greatly appreciated.  It may even save a life.  You can find a blood drive near you by going to www.redcross.org.