The Feds are hoping people will begin to think of MLK day as a day of service instead of a day to barbecue (although serving barbecue could count--depends on whom you're serving), and why not? We rest on the rest of our holidays; we may be expected to contemplate the meaning of the day, but still, no holiday is designated for activity more strenuous than handing out presents or whacking a pinata.
So if you're interested in volunteering, here's the government web site with links to volunteer organizations: http://mlkday.gov/ .
And here are books at the library about Dr. King, and also about serving.
