While our building will be closed on January 18 in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, there are many meaningful ways to recognize this day of service in our community. Here are just a few to get you started:

• Youth Photo Contest
  Hosted by the United Way of Douglas County, photography submissions are now being accepted by artists age 5-25 inspired by the prompt: “What does Black Lives Matter mean to you?”By facilitating this opportunity, the United Way hopes to provide space for youth to learn about the history of protest and process their feelings about current events through art.Click here to submit by January 27! 

• Community Letter Writing
  United Way is coordinating a youth led letter-writing initiative called “Dear Neighbor, Letters for a Resilient Community.” Youth have expressed concerns about an increase in mental health issues both among their peers and among other members of the community who may be experiencing increased isolation and hardship due to COVID-19, particularly the elderly community. To combat these struggles and foster feelings of connection, shared experience, and mutual support, community members of all ages are invited to write letters to recipients identified as needing some extra support. Click here for more information.
• 14th Annual MLK Community Breakfast
  This event presented by the Ecumenical Fellowship of Lawrence and the Jayhawk Breakfast Optimist Club will be presented virtually this year at 8am, January 18 at the YouTube link below.Highlights include scholarship presentations, entertainment by Mezzo-Soprano Vanessa Thomas and a Keynote Address by Dr. Anthony Lewis, Superintendent of Lawrence Public Schools.

However you choose to spend your day, we wish you the best in connecting with your community in safe ways, creating, and helping others. Our doors open at 9am on January 19.