January 07, 2025
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Volunteers needed for Joliet’s annual MLK Day of Service

Even families can volunteer to work side by side

By Denise M. Baran-Unland
Liisa Seuser helps organize cards on Monday, Jan. 21, 2019, during the MLK Day of Service at Joliet Area Community Hospice in Joliet, Ill. Volunteers made over 300 cards.

Liisa Seuser helps organize cards on Monday, Jan. 21, 2019, during the MLK Day of Service at Joliet Area Community Hospice in Joliet, Ill. Volunteers made over 300 cards. The year's event is Jan. 20. (Geoff Stellfox)

Make Martin Luther King Jr. Day a "a day on, not a day off" by volunteering for Joliet’s annual service project event.

The 17th annual Joliet-area MLK Day of Service will take place Jan. 20. The event is co-hosted by Joliet Township High School and the African American Business Association.

The Joliet-area MLK Day of Service will include volunteer opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds, African American Business Association Board Chairman Christopher Parker said in a news release from event organizers.

MLK Day of Service co-Chair Kristine Schlismann said families can even volunteer and work side by side.

“Whatever the age or ability, there is a project for everyone as we make our community stronger while honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.,” Schlismann said in the release.

MLK Day of Service co-Chair Ericka Williams said the day typically attracts more than 400 volunteers at each event.

Projects may include cleaning, decorating valentines for veterans, making blankets for people experiencing homelessness, painting, or organizing and volunteering in food pantries, according to the release.

The event kicks off at 7:30 a.m. in the Joliet Central High School student center cafeteria, 201 E. Jefferson St.

The kickoff includes registration; music by the Mt. Zion Baptist Choir; and a French toast breakfast donated by Louie’s Waffle House, along with sausage and bacon donated by the ARKAS Restaurant Group, doughnuts donated by Home Cut, and cinnamon rolls donated by Richardson’s.

The welcoming ceremony begins at 8:15 a.m., and community service projects take place from 9 a.m. to noon at various locations throughout the community.

Volunteers will return to the Joliet Central cafeteria for a tamale lunch donated by Ta Canijo and family-friendly entertainment provided by Gabe Lozano from RielTyme Creative Solutions of the Chicago Bulls.

To volunteer and for more information, visit jthsorg.finalsite.com.

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