HOUSTON (January 20, 2021) – On January 18, 2021, Volunteer Houston, a program of Interfaith Ministries for Greater Houston and the Points of Light Houston affiliate, commemorated the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with a day of service. This kit assembly project aimed to support Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives for five local and global organizations, who understand the importance of honoring Dr. King’s beliefs and values.

According to Brooke Parkinson, CNP, director of Volunteer Houston, “Dr. King’s words ‘Everybody can be great, because anyone can serve’ are a daily reminder of the importance of volunteerism for companies and organizations in our community.” Parkinson continued, “many organizations reached out to us looking for ways to put Dr. King’s words into action.”

Volunteer Houston created the 2021 MLK Corporate Service Project personal project boxes.  These remote service projects offered companies the opportunity to engage their employees in a meaningful and impactful project that benefitted families in need while safe and socially distanced at home. This project was especially important during a time when many families are struggling to manage inequities and financial struggles brought on by the pandemic in the Greater Houston area.

Participating companies included: Sysco Corporation; CITGO Petroleum; Hilton Americas Hotel and Houston First Corporation.

For the 2021 event, Volunteer Houston’s goal was to provide nonprofit organizations – including: Coalition for the Homeless; The Tejano Center; Carillo Elementary; Jane Long Academy; AMMA; Communities in School – Spring Branch ISD; Communities in School – HISD – Fowler Elementary and Young Elementary; reVision Houston; and Covenant House – with supplemental kits widely used by their clients and the community to empower individuals, strengthen communities, overcome barriers, address social problems and move us closer to Dr. King’s vision of a, “Beloved Community”.

Three different types of kits were assembled by corporate volunteers:

  • 750 Literacy for Lifetime kits – which included a book about Dr. King, flashcards, journal, and other items to support their education endeavors
  • 750 COVID-19 Safety kits – which contained disposable masks for adults and children, hand sanitizer, individual sanitizer wipes and soap
  • 750 Healthy Hygiene kits – which contained personal size toiletries, a washcloth and a pair of socks

Service Projects 2 Go are still available. If your employer or business is interested in learning more about Volunteer Houston’s Service Projects 2 Go program please contact Gayla Wilson, Program Manager by email at [email protected].