2013 marks the 3rd year that United Way of Bucks County is holding the Martin Luther King Day of Service Essay Contest. Students are asked “Why is volunteerism important to you…” or “Why do you feel you should participate in a Martin Luther King Day of Service….?” This day stands out to the United Way of Bucks County because it encourages the community to give back, whether it’s preparing and serving a hot meal, painting a room or just reading a book to a child.
Last year, as anticipated, a large variety of responses poured in through the doors at the Fairless Hills office with 173 Bucks County youth participating in the contest. One student wrote about how he grew up on a military base and the importance of a close-knit community, while another wrote about how important volunteers are in helping out the elderly and others. One $100 prize is awarded to the best essay in each of the Elementary, Middle, and High School levels for three prizes total. Last year, two essays from the Elementary schools were so creative and well-thought that two prizes were awarded for that level. Some teachers have actually implemented the Martin Luther King Day of Service Essay into their own curriculum. The staff is very eager to read a whole new set of essays as volunteerism is at the heart of everything we do at the United Way of Bucks County. For more information, please contact Danielle Bush at danielleb@uwbucks.org.