ICYMI: AmeriCorps Leads National Volunteering Effort with Biden Administration Serving on MLK Day of Service

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Jan 19, 2022

President Biden and the First Lady Serve Alongside AmeriCorps CEO in Philadelphia

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Yesterday marked the annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service, the only federal holiday also recognized as a National Day of Service. MLK Day of Service encourages all Americans to honor Dr. King through service to one another and their communities. Those who served joined thousands of others nationwide in answering what Dr. King called, “life’s most persistent and urgent question…What are you doing for others?”

AmeriCorps, the federal agency which leads the MLK Day of Service and the nation’s volunteer efforts, provided tools and resources for volunteers to find service projects, service organizations to recruit members, and for the media to connect the public to volunteer opportunities in their area.

AmeriCorps CEO Michael D. Smith spent time serving at Philabundance Hunger Relief Center in Philadelphia with President Joe Biden, First Lady Jill Biden, AmeriCorps members, and community volunteers. Vice President Kamala Harris and Second Gentleman Douglas Emhoff visited Martha’s Table, a Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit organization focused on supporting strong children, families and community.

It was a joy to spend this day at @Philabundance Hunger Relief Center in Philadelphia with @POTUS, @FLOTUS, @AmeriCorps members, and community volunteers. pic.twitter.com/r6596LQ09c
— Michael D. Smith (@AmeriCorpsCEO) January 16, 2022

Other Biden Administration officials served in local communities across the country. Check out highlights of agency participation:

NASA Administrator Bill Nelson and Secretary of DC Kimberly Bassett joined AmeriCorps CEO Michael D. Smith packaging COVID-19 test kits with Serve DC.
Veteran Affairs Secretary Denis McDonough and Office of Management and Budget Acting Director Young joined AmeriCorps CEO Michael D. Smith at Garfield Terrace Apartments in DC to paint the Community Center Hall in preparation for a new mural.
Department of Interior Secretary Deb Haaland packaged food in DC at Miriam’s Kitchen.
Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona joined AmeriCorps members from across the state of Minnesota for a virtual summit to discuss how to create sustainable change.
U.S. Surgeon General and Vice Admiral Vivek Murthy, M.D., joined Crisis Text Line for an online discussion about accessible youth mental health.
Housing and Urban Development Deputy Secretary Adrianne Todman joined volunteers at Miriam’s Kitchen to serve a meal and distribute hygiene items to homeless individuals in the DC metro area.
UN Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield volunteered alongside Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service to support newly arrived Afghan allies and other refuges.

AmeriCorps, the federal agency for volunteerism and national service, provides opportunities for Americans to serve their country domestically, address the nation’s most pressing challenges, improve lives and communities, and strengthen civic engagement. Each year, the agency invests more than $800 million in grants for local nonprofit, community, tribal, and state organizations; places more than 250,000 AmeriCorps members and AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers in intensive service roles; and empowers millions more to serve as long-term, short-term, or one-time volunteers. Learn more at AmeriCorps.gov.