Martin Luther King Jr. Day is approaching, and it's a great time to give back to the community and lend a helping hand. It's also an opportune time to get educated on Martin Luther King Jr.'s lasting legacy.
Here are some opportunities in D.C., Maryland and Virginia this weekend.
D.C.
Help beautify parks
There are several clean-up events and invasive species removals at National Capital Parks on Saturday and Monday, including at Kenilworth Park and RFK Meadows.
Something for the teens
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Washington TEENS is hosting its annual summit on Monday. It's a place for teens to get together and discuss what's important to them and talk about what changes they want to see in the world. There will also be multiple on-site service projects for teens to take part in.
A peace walk and parade
The 19th annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Peace Walk and Parade on Monday. The event is organized by the Coalition for Peace, a group of individuals and nonprofits dedicated to bringing peace to the DMV. Organizers are asking for anyone who has lost someone this year to send in a photo, which will be printed on a placard that reads "Stop the violence."
'The Many Futures of Dr. King'
Students at Duke Ellington School of the Arts will perform an original work inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at the National Museum of African American History and Culture. Performances will take place throughout the day on Monday.
Maryland
Griffith Park clean-up and trail mapping
The Gaithersburg Parks, Arts, & Recreation Corporation is looking for volunteers to pick up trash on Monday along the trails of Griffith Park, History Park and Olde Towne Plaza, and to map the trails in and between Griffith and History Parks and Olde Towne Plaza using a cellphone.
Educational performances in College Park
There will be several children-focused performances on Monday, highlighting the life of Martin Luther King Jr., and another focusing on the many contributions of African American women.
Virginia
Indoor and outdoor service projects in Reston
On Saturday, Fairfax County is looking for volunteers to sort and organize donated clothing, make bagged lunches for a local shelter and clean up local outdoor areas, weather permitting.
Make welcome baskets and visit care and rehab facilities
There will be several volunteer and service opportunities in Alexandria on Monday, based at the Shiloh Baptist Church Historic Sanctuary, on Monday. Volunteers will be visiting several care facilities for games and songs, and will be putting together welcome baskets on-site for local service providers.
There will also be free admission to all National Parks on Monday. Take the time to get outside and reflect outdoors.
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