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MLK Day of Service 2026
About MLK Day of Service
United Way of Tucson and Southern Arizona is excited to host our 5th annual MLK Day of Service on Monday, January 19th, 2026.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, established as a federal holiday in 1983 and designated as a National Day of Service in 1994, remains the only federal holiday dedicated to community service. This day honors Dr. King’s vision of a Beloved Community.
Join us in celebrating his legacy by volunteering and contributing to the betterment of Tucson and Southern Arizona.
volunteer
Every act of service counts.
Whether you have a few hours or a full day to give, your contribution makes a significant impact. Sign up for one of our volunteer opportunities and help us create a Beloved Community.
post your project
Project Applications have Closed for the 2026 MLK Day of Service
Partner with United Way of Tucson and make a difference in our community.
If you’re an agency, school, or other organization with a project for MLK Day of Service, we want to hear from you!
If you have any questions or need more information, please contact Sharly Scannell, Director of Community Engagement, at sscannell@unitedwaytucson.org or call 520.903.3950.
Unable to volunteer?
Support our efforts with a gift!
Through our direct services, programming, partnerships, grant funding, and volunteers–every $1 invested is leveraged into a $5 impact!
With over a century of service, your United Way of Tucson and Southern Arizona continues our mission of building a more thriving community. When we LIVE UNITED, we can achieve more than any single entity can alone.
UNITED WE RISE.
Celebration Sponsor
Pittsburgh Paints Co.
ServPro
Target Distribution Center
Honor Sponsor
Exo Roast
Why Your Service Matters
United Way of Tucson and Southern Arizona participated in our 4th annual MLK Day of Service on January 20th, 2025.
140 Volunteers
1,003 Volunteer Hours
$34,892.37 Total Impact
Projects included:
- United Way of Tucson | MLK Day Mini MOCA Paint Party
- Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum | Buffelgrass Pull near Desert Museum
- Amphi Family Resource Center | Community Unite
- Luna y Sol | MLK Day of Service – Reflecting on the Past, Shaping the Future!
- Community Gardens of Tucson | MLK Day of Service Workparty at Ventana Vista
Become a Sponsor:
Support United Way of Tucson’s MLK Day of Service and help make a lasting impact in our community. Sponsorship opportunities are available for individuals and organizations looking to honor Dr. King’s legacy and contribute to meaningful service projects.
SERVICE SPONSOR
- + Logo on event website
- + Recognition in event announcements and the YLU newsletter
Honor SPONSOR
- All benefits of the Service Sponsor
- Exclusive access for your organization to volunteer at the sponsored project
Celebration SPONSOR
- All benefits of the Honor Sponsor
- Recognition as an event sponsor on all marketing materials (social media, emails, website)
- A custom service opportunity for your team with United Way between January 20th & July 20th, 2026
FAQs
How do I sign up to volunteer?
You can view and register for projects by clicking the “SIGN UP TO VOLUNTEER” button above.
What types of volunteer opportunities are available?
There are a variety of opportunities including community clean-ups, food drives, mentorship programs, and senior assistance. You can choose the one that fits your interests and abilities by clicking the “SIGN UP TO VOLUNTEER” button above.
Can I volunteer with my family or friends?
Absolutely! We encourage group participation–just make sure each member registers and meets the requirements for the project you choose.
Will food and drinks be provided?
This depends on the project and will be listed in the post-registration instructions. If you have questions about this after registering, please reach out to that opportunity’s host.
What if I need to cancel my registration?
If you need to cancel, you can do so using the link provided in your registration confirmation email or by contacting the opportunity host.
How can my organization post a project for MLK Day of Service?
You can submit your project for review by clicking the “SUBMIT YOUR PROJECT” button above and completing the project submission process.
What types of projects are eligible?
We welcome a wide range of projects that benefit the community, including clean-ups, educational programs, mentorship opportunities, and more. Projects should align with the spirit of service and community improvement.
Is there a deadline for submitting projects?
Yes, we ask that all projects be submitted by December 20th to ensure we have enough time to promote and coordinate volunteers.
What support will United Way of Tucson provide for our project?
We will help promote your project, recruit volunteers, and provide logistical support as needed. We aim to make your project a success!
How will we be notified if our project is selected?
Once reviewed, you will receive a notification that the project has either been approved or returned for edits.
What should we do if we need to make changes to our project after submission?
You have full access to edit and update your opportunity as needed. Please be aware the projects do take some time to be reviewed after submission and may not appear on the portal immediately. If you make changes to important details like location and time, please also contact the volunteers who have already registered so they are aware of the change.