On the third Monday every January, Americans across the country celebrate the national holiday honoring the life and work of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. As of August 23rd, 1994, Congress passed the King Holiday and Service Act, which expanded the mission of the holiday as a day of community service, interracial cooperation, and youth anti-violence initiatives. Since then the Corporation of National and Community Service, in partnership with the Martin Luther King, Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change, Inc. has taken the lead in helping to transform the King's life and teachings into community service that helps solve social problems.

Every January, hundreds of University of South Carolina students take part in service projects in and around the Columbia community as part of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service. Sponsored by Carolina Service Council and Community Service Programs, this event gives volunteers the chance to work with various local non-profit organizations such as Habitat for Humanity, Salvation Army, Home Works of America, and Reliant Hospice. During a day of hard work and fun, volunteers have the opportunity to learn more about and to give back to the community in which we live during our time at the University of South Carolina.

This year, the 13th annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service will take place on Monday, January 18, 2010. Students of all majors, ages, and cultures, in addition to faculty and staff, are encouraged to participate in honor of the great work of Dr. King to make our nation a better place for every individual.

On January 18, 2010, hundreds of volunteers will complete thousands of service hours to help millions of individuals, all because of one dream. How will YOU serve?

"Live the dream, share the dream, BE the dream"

Need more information on group registration, what to expect, or why you should participate? Click here to find answers to frequently asked questions.