It is Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service on January 19, 2026, and the phrase "A Day On, Not a Day Off" takes on a deeper meaning. While this National Day of Service is a powerful catalyst, at Operation Xcel, we believe Dr. King’s true legacy is found in how we raise our children to see themselves as part of a larger, interconnected world.
 

The Science of Serving

When children engage in service, they aren’t just "helping"—they are building vital social-emotional skills. According to AmeriCorps 2023 State of the Evidence Report, youth and young adults participating in service programs report significant gains in civic-mindedness and a deeper connection to their communities, fostering a sense of social "mattering" and personal well-being (Richman et al., 2023). Furthermore, engaging in prosocial behavior like volunteering has been linked to a significant reduction in symptoms of anxiety and depression among adolescents (Mayo Clinic, 2023).
 

It isn’t just about the work we do; it’s about how it makes our children feel. According to the AmeriCorps 2023 State of the Evidence Report, youth who engage in service experience a profound sense of 'mattering.' This psychological shift—the realization that they are a significant part of their community—is a key building block for lifelong confidence and civic-mindedness."
 

See the Impact: Our Youth in Greensboro

We don’t just talk about service; we live it. Watch this video to witness our children share their experience preparing lunch and personal care bags for our neighbors at the Interactive Resource Center (IRC) and the Greensboro Parks & Recreation’s Doorway Project (Pallet) Community.
 

The Doorway Project, the state's first temporary shelter community, is a powerful example of community innovation. Developed and financed by the City of Greensboro, it is a temporary shelter community of pallet homes. It provides more than just a roof; it offers case management services to help individuals transition into permanent housing. By serving here, our children aren't just handing out bags; they are learning about the systemic efforts required to help our neighbors find stability and a home.

 
Why Year-Round Engagement Matters

By involving children in community projects throughout the year, we help them:

• Develop Deep Empathy: They move past "sympathy" to "empathy," the ability to share the feelings of another (National Youth Leadership Council [NYLC], 2024).
• Identify Their Calling: Exposure to issues like housing insecurity helps children discover which "problems" they feel personally called to solve.
• Build Agency: They realize they have the power to impact the world positively, regardless of their age.
   

Reference List

Richman, S., Bennett, M., & Gleason, K. (2023). AmeriCorps 2023 State of the Evidence Report. Mathematica Inc. Prepared for AmeriCorps Office of Research and Evaluation. https://www.americorps.gov/sites/default/files/document/2023%20SOE%20Report_090123_final_508_0.pdf

City of Greensboro. (n.d.). The Doorway Project: Temporary shelter community.  https://www.greensboro-nc.gov/

The King Center. (2024). The 2026 King Holiday theme and observance.  https://thekingcenter.org/

Mayo Clinic Health System. (2023, June 21). 3 health benefits of volunteering.  https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-  health/3-health-benefits-of-volunteering

National Youth Leadership Council. (2024). The impact of service-learning on your development. https://www.nylc.org/research