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.

 

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

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.