Story and photos by L. M. Land
In 1994, The King Holiday and Service Act of 1994, passed by federal legislation, designated Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday a national holiday and a national day of voluntary service. The goal is to encourage Americans to volunteer and strengthen their communities, recalling King’s vision of a “beloved community.”
Often called a “Day On, Not a Day Off,” it encourages volunteering through projects like food drives, neighborhood cleanups and other services to your community.
With this in mind, over 750 Genesee County residents came to honor Martin Luther King’s day of service on January 19, 2026. United Way of Genesee County coordinated the event to make 200,000 meals for those facing food insecurity in Genesee County.
Volunteers gathered in the Dort Financial Center (formerly Perani Arena) on Lapeer Road first thing in the morning. They were trained to do the job and began at once. There were many groups in attendance, ranging from Forever Flint Foundation, Motherly Intersession, five Girl Scout troops, Honor students from Carman-Ainsworth High School, Flushing High School’s Rotary Interaction Club, family groups as well as individuals.
Attendees ranged in age from less than a year old through to senior citizens, including people of many colors and creeds. All worked together for a common goal: helping those in need.
The food ingredients were in bulk amounts, so the volunteers put the amount required in a bag, passing it to the person with the next ingredient until it reached the end of their station. The bag was then heat sealed and packed in a box of 36 bags. For every box filled, the group rang a bell and cheered.
The intent for the food packets is to be available to 29 smaller pantries in Genesee County, such as FISH of Grand Blanc, Crossover Outreach, Bountiful Love Ministries, Bentley Community Schools, Lamb of God Lutheran, The Well Church and some Blessing Boxes in local neighborhoods.
Each packet of food contains vitamins, freeze dried vegetables, soy, beans and rice. You need only boil the mix in water for a high protein meal. Add ground beef or sausage to make it a fuller meal. The mix also makes a good soup.
United Way of Genesee County began this community mission in 2018. They hoped for 100 volunteers and got 350. Their second year, 550 volunteers came. In 2020 they had 800 volunteers. Then COVID hit. They have been building the volunteer numbers back up again since then.
Michigan dignitaries came to thank everyone for volunteering, including:
- US Congresswoman Kristen McDonald Rivet
Kristen McDonald Rivett helps pack a box. - Rayshawn Riley, on behalf of US Senator Elizabeth Slotkin MI
- State Senator John Cherry
- MI State Representative Cynthia Neeley
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Rep. Cynthia Neeley was also present. - Genesee County Commissioner Chairman Dale Weighil
- Flint City Mayor Sheldon Neeley
- Burton City Council Kris Johns Major
- Jason Gould on behalf of Sheriff Swanson
There were 25 sponsors for the event. Huntington Bank was the main event sponsor again this year. Jersey Mike’s contributed toward a sandwich, cookie, chips and water for each volunteer. The Charles Stewart Mott Foundation contributed a grant for service and community. A list of all sponsors is on the photo below.
To learn more: https://www.unitedwaygenesee.org/
Now that King’s birthday has passed, consider continuing to volunteer. Many agencies have lost grant funding and could use the extra help. Go to https://www.geneseeserves.org/. to connect those requesting volunteers with those wishing to volunteer. This is a site run by United Way for use by our community. Once you create an account you can search for events, organizations or by day for volunteer opportunities.
