Post submitted by former HRC Digital Media Manager Helen Parshall

HRC celebrates the incredible work of hundreds of our volunteers, members and supporters in cities across the country, who united in service to honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. last weekend.

“This year, HRC continued its commitment to diversifying and broadening our impact in our local communities,” said Nicole Cozier, HRC Senior Vice President of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. “There are many ways in which we can use this day to deepen our commitment and connection to those in our community who are too often at its margins.”

Like many engaging in service across the country, HRC hopes to transform Dr. King's teachings into action to help meet national challenges by bringing people together, and engaging and empowering communities throughout the year.

“MLK Day of Service is just one day,” said Nathan Barrera-Bunch, HRC Community Inclusion Manager. “This is an opportunity to build sustainable and long-lasting community partnerships founded in our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. We want our volunteers to carry this mindset into all of the work to be done every other day of the year.”

For months, volunteers around the country have been planning for HRC’s annual participation in MLK Day of Service. Efforts included organizing clothing and toiletries donation drives; assembling and distributing care packages of travel-size hygiene items, school supplies and winter accessories; and participating in beautification and renovation projects.

Below are some highlights:

Dallas/Ft. Worth

This year, HRC Dallas/Ft. Worth worked with the Family Place, a local organization that empowers victims of domestic violence through access to safe housing, counseling and skills to foster independence and build community. Volunteers helped the Family Place accept donations, sort merchandise, organize displays and clean up its resale shop.

Las Vegas

HRC members and supporters marched in Las Vegas’ annual MLK Day parade alongside CCEA Social Justice Caucus, Canyon Springs GSA and Eclipse Theaters to show their support for the LGBTQ community. Volunteers also split their efforts between a local elementary school and a park, beautifying the grounds and collecting supplies for LGBTQ youth.

Nashville

HRC Nashville volunteers packed dental kits for clients of My House, a drop-in center that provides resources and support to gay and bisexual men in Tennessee.

Orange County/Long Beach/Palm Springs

From painting and creating an office space for the Transgender Community Coalition to cooking for homeless people who are served by the Laguna Beach Friendship Shelter, HRC Orange County, Long Beach and Palm Springs volunteers were busy throughout MLK weekend.

Orlando

Volunteers with HRC Orlando purchased and organized cleaning kits and hosted a pizza party for the youth served by the Zebra Coalition Youth Center.

Philadelphia

HRC Philadelphia volunteers cleaned, organized and spent time with residents of the Morris Home, a residential recovery program providing services and care for the local trans community.

San Diego

Local HRC members, volunteers and supporters came together to assemble 700 care bags for organizations including San Diego Youth Services, San Diego Unified Schools and others working to support homeless youth.

Seattle

HRC Seattle volunteers prepared supply kits and served dinner for homeless youth at the Orion Center for Youth.

South Florida

In South Florida, HRC volunteers cleaned, organized and assembled furniture and other items for Covenant House Florida, a shelter for runaway, homeless and at-risk youth.

Twin Cities

Volunteers in the Twin Cities assembled “warm item kits” for the Bridge for Youth, a local shelter that works with LGBTQ homeless youth.

Washington, D.C.

HRC Greater Washington, D.C. hosted three service projects geared toward supporting organizations that work with LGBTQ youth: cleaning the Latin American Youth Center, assembling winter kits for SYMAL and organizing the Wanda Alston House.