In the spring of 2005, Triangle United Way staff and Bruce Lightner, Co-Chairperson MLK Celebration  Committee,  Inc., begin building on the idea of conducting a Triangle-wide community service project in celebration of the National MLK Day Observance. A planning committee was formed, including members of local civic groups and existing MLK Celebration members. The goal of the planning committee was to figure out how to successfully create an three-county event day of service celebration without interfering with existing MLK Day activities.

As a result, The First Triangle MLK Day of Service took place January 16, 2006. Our goal was to conduct 50 projects and have 1,000 volunteers engaged in community service. We wanted to connect citizens, especially young people, of all ages, ethnicities and religions, with meaningful projects to make the First Triangle 2006 MLK Day of Service a celebration of uniting communities served.

Total volunteer hours 6,313
Volunteers who served 1,700+
Participating organizations 120
Number of projects 60
Number of (k-12) schools participating 7
Number of Universities participating  6
Number of signature projects 4

During his lifetime, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. worked tirelessly toward a dream of equality. He believed in a nation of freedom and justice for all, and encouraged all citizens to live up to the purpose and potential of America by uniting and taking action to make this country a better place to live.

The King Day of Service is a way to transform Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s life and teachings into community service that helps solve social problems. That service may meet a tangible need, such as fixing up a school or senior center, or it may meet a need of the spirit, such as building a sense of community or mutual responsibility. On this day, Americans of every age and background celebrate Dr. King through service projects that:

• Strengthen Communities
  Dr. King recognized the power of service to strengthen communities and achieve common goals. Through his words and example, Dr. King challenged individuals to take action and lift up their neighbors and communities through service.
      
• Empower Individuals
  Dr. King believed each individual possessed the power to lift himself or herself up no matter what his or her circumstances – rich or poor, black or white, man or woman. Whether teaching literacy skills, helping an older adult surf the Web, or helping an individual build the skills they need to acquire a job, acts of service can help others improve their own lives.
      
• Bridge Barriers
  In his fight for civil rights, Dr. King inspired Americans to think beyond themselves, look past differences, and work toward equality. Serving side by side, community service bridges barriers between people and teaches us that in the end, we are more alike than we are different.

These ideas of unity, purpose, and the great things that can happen when we work together toward a common goal – are just some of the many reasons we honor Dr. King through service on this special holiday.