Written by: Megan Lilly

Edited by: Adeyinka Ogunlegan

The Weekend of Service Preview, held from November 9-26, 2024, gave Junior League of Washington (JLW) members an opportunity to participate in exciting volunteer opportunities ahead of the 4th Annual MLK Weekend of Service January 17-20, 2025. With both in-person and virtual options, the Weekend of Service Preview was the perfect way to kick off the season of giving while building momentum for the upcoming weekend of service in honor of civil rights activist Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy.

With over 15 projects, more than 175 volunteers, and 7,168 volunteer hours, the preview showcased all the different ways for JLW members to give back. However, the preview is just a sprinkle of the vast number of ways to give back; the full weekend of service will feature even more opportunities to make a meaningful impact in the D.C. area communities.

Volunteers helped Sunflower Bakery, a local organization that provides job training for adults with learning differences, by packing baked goods for Thanksgiving deliveries. Volunteers also supported Martha’s Table in serving over 3,000 hot meals to families, and assisted the Capital Area Food Bank with sorting food donations to ensure healthy meals were distributed to local families in need across the region. 

JLW volunteers at Sunflower Bakery, Rockville, MD

JLW volunteers at the Capital Area Food Bank, Prince George’s County

Another opportunity included working with Girls on the Run, where volunteers helped with race day activities. This included cheering on and providing refreshments to young girls as they completed a 5K, and celebrating their achievements and growth.

Volunteers also supported the Turning the Page – Carpe Librum Book Sale, assisting with setting up and organizing a community book sale to raise funds for educational programs supporting DC public school students. They also volunteered with the Jennifer Bush-Lawson Foundation by assisting at a race event to raise funds to provide low-income mothers and babies with access to quality healthcare.

JLW volunteers at Carpe Librum, Washington, DC

For those interested in global impact, volunteers participated in the Missing Maps Project. This unique project works to map out vulnerable regions using satellite imagery to help humanitarian organizations respond to natural disasters, conflicts, and disease outbreaks. 

Additionally, volunteers participated in a March of Dimes event, which honored d raised funds for the health of moms and babies, and honored the commitment of women in the community dedicated to improving the lives of families. Volunteers assisted with registration and auction duties, contributing to the overall success of the event.

JLW volunteers partnering with the March of Dimes

These projects gave JLW volunteers an opportunity to make a meaningful difference in both their local and global communities. Building off the momentum from the preview event, we’re excited to continue the spirit of service from January 17-20, 2025 during the 4th Annual MLK Weekend of Service. Keep an eye out for opportunities to get involved as we head into the new year!