UC Merced will honor the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. by hosting a day of action, inviting the campus and community to serve together on Monday, Jan. 19.

In keeping with King's call to build a "beloved community," UC Merced's Community Engagement Center is inviting students, staff, faculty and alumni to participate in a range of service projects throughout Merced and beyond as part of the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service.

"This National Day of Service is a time to come together, give back and work toward the community Dr. King envisioned," event organizers said.

For UC Merced students, the service opportunities are eligible for CatLife and CollegeCorps credit.

"Participating in community service, especially on a day meant to honor such an impactful voice who fought for the equal treatment of all human beings, is important in any community," said Melina Ramirez, a student staff member with the Community Engagement Center. "We should take advantage of our ability to help build up the community of Merced. We can only rely on each other to strengthen the well-being of our fellow community members."

Ramirez said she is especially looking forward to spending time with senior living residents on MLK Day, noting that they often share meaningful life experiences and advice.

"Giving UC Merced the opportunity to engage on MLK Day allows us, alongside the city of Merced, to recognize the power of unity and what we can accomplish through collective effort," said Pricilla Cardenas, community engagement coordinator. "Service reminds us that carrying MLK's legacy forward means showing up for our communities and putting his values into practice. It helps us build the kind of place he worked for, where people look out for one another."

Several service opportunities are scheduled throughout the day, allowing volunteers to participate based on their interests and availability.

One of the day's signature events is the Unity March, beginning at the Merced Amtrak Station, 324 W. 24th St. Volunteers will help support the march and accompanying community celebration by assisting with coordination, event logistics, vendor support, parking management and information distribution. Volunteers are asked to arrive at 10 a.m.

Community members can also assist with the annual MLK Program at the Merced Theatre, 301 W. Main St. Volunteers will help welcome attendees and check in performers and vendors. Volunteer arrival time is 11 a.m.

Those interested in intergenerational service can volunteer at Park Merced Senior Living, 3050 M St., where UC Merced volunteers will engage residents through recreational activities. A morning session from 10 to 11 a.m. will include board games, coloring and reading. An afternoon session from 3 to 4 p.m. will focus on assisting with a bingo game.

The day will conclude with the MLK Day of Service at the D Street Shelter, 317 E. 15th St., where volunteers will join Merced Mayor Matthew Serratto to prepare and serve meals for people experiencing homelessness. Volunteers should arrive at 5 p.m.

In addition to local service opportunities, UC Merced volunteers will also spend the day serving at Yosemite National Park as part of a full-day MLK Day of Service project in collaboration with the Yosemite Leadership Program. The 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. service opportunity will support the park's volunteer awards event and assist with essential operations, including event setup, sorting and displaying clothing donations, and supporting guests throughout the day. All volunteer spots for the Yosemite project are currently filled, though a waitlist is available.

Visit the MLK Day of Service webpage for more information about volunteering and transportation options available through the UC Merced Community Engagement Center.

Alyssa Johansen