Everett, WA – January 21, 2025. On Monday, January 19, YMCA locations throughout Snohomish and Island Counties honored Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy with “Make it a Day ON, Not a Day OFF,” a countywide Day of Service rooted in connection and community impact.
Across the Y’s seven locations – Everett, Marysville, Mill Creek, Monroe/Sky Valley, Mukilteo, Stanwood-Camano, and YMCA Camp Casey – hundreds of volunteers of all ages came together to serve their neighbors through locally led projects designed to meet real community needs. Together, volunteers assembled care packages with homemade cards for seniors, delivered food and essential items to families, supported the Mill Creek Food Bank, filled a YMCA bus with donations that were then dispersed to the community, and partnered with community groups on park, beach, and forest cleanups.
At several sites, volunteers spent meaningful time with older adults who often experience isolation, offering not just supplies, but conversations, smiles, and laughs.
“For many of the seniors we visited, life can feel quite isolating, and not everyone has regular visitors,” said Tommy Speidel, Executive Director of the Marysville Family YMCA. “Seeing their faces light up as volunteers delivered care packages, shared conversation, and simply spent time together was incredibly moving. Those moments of connection matter.”
The Y’s MLK Day of Service reflects its ongoing commitment to strengthening community by bringing people together and responding to local needs through volunteer action and trusted community partnerships. Inspired by Dr. King’s call to serve others, the Y creates opportunities throughout the year for neighbors to give back, build relationships, and make a tangible difference in the Snohomish and Island County communities.
For more information about volunteer opportunities, please visit ymca-snoco.org/volunteer.
