National Day of Service events in Houston

HOUSTON – President Barack Obama and the First Family are continuing a tradition they started four years ago with a National Day of Service on Saturday. To honor the life and legacy of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., the First Family is asking Americans to find an event and serve with others in their community.

Here are several events in the Houston area:

Day of Service at Society of St. Vincent de Paul

Location: 2403 Holcombe

Time: 1:30 to 5:30 p.m.

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul serves the community with thrift stores where people can shop for low-cost clothing, furniture and household items. During the Day of Service, volunteers will help with food distribution, processing of donations, and other tasks at the resale store.

Houston Food Bank Days of Service

Location: 535 Portwall

Time: Various

In recognition of MLK Day, Houston Food Bank is welcoming individual volunteers on Saturday and Sunday, January 19 and 20, and groups of corporate volunteers from several businesses on MLK Day, Monday,  January 21.  Volunteers will sort food and pack boxes.

Clean Up Cypresswood

Location: Kuykendahl and Cypresswood

Time: 9 a.m.

Bring trash bags, gloves, and your walking shoes! Volunteers will meet in the Cypress Villas neighborhood, near the intersection of Kuykendahl and Cypresswood. Volunteers will be divided into groups to walk along Cypresswood from Kuykendahl to Barbara Bush Library. Trash and recyclables will be separated.

Chung Tai Zen Center of Houston

Location: 12129 Bellaire Blvd

Time: 9:30 a.m.to 2:30 p.m.

There will be volunteer opportunities on Saturday to arrange flowers for a special ceremony on Sunday.  Many volunteers are needed for this and other chores, kitchen, gardening, and cleaning.

Cane River Gardens Paying It Forward

Location: Julia C. Hester House, 2020 Solo St.

Time: 8 a.m to 1 p.m.

Volunteers will help restore the garden at Julia C. Hester House. Since 1943, the Julia C. Hester house has enhanced the quality of lives in Houston's Fifth Ward and the surrounding community through a concrete set of programs and services promoting self-empowerment.

Support LGBT Homeless Youth
Location: The Montrose Center, 401 Branard Street

Time: Monday, January 21, 10 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender youth make up 40 percent of homeless and at-risk youth.  You can make a difference by donating personal care items or volunteering to help sort and bag the items at the Human Rights Campaign and The Montrose Center.  The most urgently needed items include unopened travel-sized toiletries, gloves, scarves, first-aid supplies and water bottles.