MLK Day 2018: The Spirit of Service at GiGi’s Playhouse NYC

Everybody can be great, because everybody can serve – Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

On the 3rd Monday of January, schools and banks are closed, mail is not delivered and many businesses choose to close, as well. Why is this? We probably all know that it is in observance of the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., the minister and civil rights leader who advocated  peaceful, nonviolent protests. But, there must be more to it than simply observing his birthday, right? Well, yes! There is!

Did you know that while Dr. King’s birthday has been regarded as a federal holiday since 1986, in 1994 Congress passed the King Holiday and Service Act, designating the day as a national day of service to honor the memory of the slain civil rights leader? This makes Dr. King’s birthday the only federally recognized national day of service during the entire year; a day on, not a day off.  Quite a legacy the late Dr. King left! As a result, it is day in which colleges and universities all over the country hold community service events, and many organizations choose to recognize outstanding volunteers. It is also the day that the Points of Light Foundation chooses to honor individuals all over the country who are making a positive impact in their communities.

Life’s most persistent question is: What are you doing for others? – Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Like many nonprofit organizations, GiGi’s Playhouse NYC is heavily reliant on volunteerism, as we count on volunteers to:

• Serve on our Board of Directors
• Assist in running programming
• Help at events

• Organize fundraising events, such as the annual gala
• Provide office and administrative assistance
• Spread the word of all the good work being done within our community.

We truly couldn’t have accomplished all that we have over the years if not for all of the dedicated and passionate individuals who have answered the call of Dr. King and taken his spirit of service to heart.

It seems that many people don’t fully realize the impact that their service or volunteerism. As someone who has worked in the nonprofit sector for well-over a decade, I can attest to the fact that all individuals, organizations, schools, communities and causes benefit greatly from the hard work provided by dedicated volunteers. Two hours of stuffing envelopes for a mailing is two hours that staff can focus on providing services or programming. An hour of overseeing a program is an hour that those participants get to learn, play, or socialize. A few hours spent developing images or content to be used on websites or social media allows for stronger messaging and putting the best foot forward. Helping to clean up after an event leaves the space looking professional and welcoming for the staff and participants the next day. Every act of service has an important impact on the community.  So, on Monday, January 15th, whatever your service may look like, know that the GiGi’s Playhouse NYC community is grateful for your service, and thankful that through you, the spirit of Dr. King lives on.

For more information on Volunteering at GiGi’s Playhouse NYC CLICK HERE