Every January, communities around the world honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s life and legacy by embracing the volunteer spirit and working to improve the places they call home. This day serves as a powerful reminder to empower individuals, strengthen communities, bridge barriers, and create solutions to social challenges.
This year, United Way of Pierce County aims to inspire acts of kindness and empathy. Martin Luther King, Jr. Month is the perfect opportunity to reflect on how we can make a difference—and to take action.
One impactful way we honor this day is by assembling and distributing over 3,000 hygiene kits for individuals experiencing homelessness in Pierce County. These kits, filled with essential items and uplifting messages of hope, are distributed during the Pierce County Homeless Point-in-Time Count.
“Meeting everyday hygiene needs is important for health and dignity,” said Allison Loft, Engagement Manager at UWPC. “But just as important is lifting the spirits of kit recipients with messages of encouragement when they need it most.”
The mission of this day is simple yet profound: to improve the lives of those in need—right here in our community. Our neighbors.
How You Can Participate in MLK Month of Service:
- Organize a Drive for Hygiene Kit Items: Rally coworkers, neighbors, friends, and family to collect new, unused items. Assemble the kits or drop the donations off at United Way.
- Sponsor a Donation Project: Set a goal to provide a specific number of kits, notes of encouragement, or blankets. Purchase the items, assemble them at your location, and coordinate with United Way for
distribution. - Assemble Kits: Gather donated items and organize an assembly project with your company, group, or
organization. Register here. New link: http://uwpc.galaxydigital.com/diy-projects/
Hygiene Kit Assembly Event:
- January 28
- 9:00–11:30 AM
- Rhodes Center
- Register here
Join the Point in Time Count
Take part in this critical effort to understand and address homelessness in Pierce County. Point in Time Mobile Command Center. Together, we can honor Dr. King’s legacy by lifting up those in need and building a stronger,
more compassionate community. For more information or to get involved, visit United Way of Pierce County or email volunteer@uwpc.org.