Soup & Service for MLK Jr Day With The United Way In Muskegon

Monday January 15th marks the 31st year we stop to observe Martin Luther King Jr Day.  It's kind of hard to believe that a national holiday was only established within most of our lifetime's, but like anything with age comes a little more reverence, and meaning seems to grow over the years and the message Dr. King carried of unity...well, it resonates now more than ever.




King was the chief spokesman for the non violent civil rights movement which protested discrimination in both state and federal laws.  His speeches inspired.  His presence was one of unity and inclusion and it came at a time when we as a country kind of "us and them".   We were divided not only by mindset, but by laws.  It was work, perseverance, patience and belief that got Dr. King the respect of so many and makes the message resonate today.  The element of service resonates today as well and as so many true leaders, who lead by example the service needs to carry on. 

United Way of The Lakeshore Online

Locally, when you think of community service, there is one giant stand out, The United Way of the Lakeshore.  The United Way is taking the opportunity not only to observe the holiday, but to utilize it to do what they do best, serve.  They are hosting an open house style lunch on Monday the 15th.  You'll find all kinds of delicious soups, for both dine in and carry out and they are asking for your donation of non perishable food items for our local food pantries or school supplies for kids who would otherwise go without in return for your lunch.  While you are there at their offices on Clay Street in Muskegon, you'll also be able to learn about some of the other service work that's coming in 2018 from the United Way.  You'll also get to learn about volunteer opportunities that are looking for a pair of hands to help.  Learn about the work going on to bolster early childhood education and how it sets the tone for education over a lifetime.

I had a chance to visit the United Way and talk about the event. Stephanie Stewart and La Tonya Beene of the United Way.  Yes, it's a simple lunch but it's going to be filled with purpose, information and unity.  Take a listen.

For a holiday that's not as old as most of us, it's good to see that the echo of the message Dr. King carried is resonating and getting louder.  The importance of the message is as applicable today, if not more so than when they were spoken and the opportunity for us to unify for a cause to help our own, and get a pretty good lunch for it...well, it can't be passed up.  It's not just a day off.  It's a chance to stop and ask yourself if you're doing what you can for equality.  Stop in to the United Way of the Lakeshore Monday.