Monday, Jan. 19 has been declared National Community Service Day. On the day the country celebrates the birth of Martin Luther King, Jr., what better way to honor his memory than to make it a day “on” rather than a day off?

This year, the Orcas Island Community Foundation and Orcas Island Chamber of Commerce are pleased to announce several community service opportunities. There will be a work party at the Orcas Island School District to clean up the flower beds in between the elementary school and the administration office, and clean up and expand the vegetable garden in preparation for the Farm to Cafeteria program. All are welcome to pitch in. If you have tools (wheelbarrows, rakes, shovels, gloves, or clippers) bring them along. If not, there will be some to lend. The party starts at 9:30 a.m. and ends when the project or the volunteers are done.

Another garden opportunity is offered by the Orcas Island Historical Museum. Volunteers are needed to help with winter clean-up and soil amending around the historical museum buildings. Meet outside the museum on the brick pathway; work will be in progress from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

For folks who would prefer an indoor activity, Kaleidoscope is anticipating a full house on Jan. 19 and would appreciate all who are willing to read a story, direct a craft project, or push a swing (their staff will be there to supervise, and lend a hand as needed). If you have a craft in mind, contact Amber Minnis at 376-2484 to arrange supplies. Finally, The Orcas Montessori School needs assistance building planting boxes for the garden at the school and cabinet doors for a storage cabinet. Therese Chocano, who is available at 376-5350, is the contact person for this project.

These are just a few of the ongoing opportunities to serve the Orcas community. Please contact Hilary Canty, executive director of the Community Foundation, with questions at 376-6423.

“We look forward to working together to make our community stronger and more beautiful!” said Canty.