Marion, Cedar Rapids Schools Closed, Volunteerism and Service Open for MLK Day in Linn County

Read on to learn what is opened or closed, and how to give back for Martin Luther King Day, which is Monday, Jan. 21.

The first thing to keep in mind is that Dr. King was an advocate for service to others. The main focus to that end locally this year is feeding the hungry, but there's also plenty of opportunities to volunteer.

Keep in mind, a food drive for MLK Day is already underway.

• United Way of East Central Iowa, Linn County government, Coe College, HACAP and Mt. Mercy University have joined forces for a food drive. Donations will go to the HACAP food reservoir to support area food pantries. A complete list of where and when food can be dropped off is at the bottom of this article.

• To keep things fun, there's also a food sculpting contest on MLK Day. Voting will be held on United Way of East Central Iowa’s Facebook page, on Tuesday Jan. 22.

• There's several volunteering opportunities on Saturday, Jan. 19 in the Cedar Rapids and Iowa City area. Four Oaks has a Brighten a House and Spirit project to paint the basement of one of their residential treatment houses. To learn of more volunteer opportunities on National Day of Service, click here and enter your zip code.

• The Hotel at Kirkwood is hosting the 27th annual remember Martin Luncheon, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. That is located at 7725 Kirkwood Blvd. in Cedar Rapids. Dr. Ruth White is the keynote speaker. Twenty local student leaders who demonstrate Dr. King’s characteristics through their volunteer work, school attendance and positive behavior will also be honored. Tickets are $17.

• On Monday, Coe College will be showing the documentary Half Sky, which highlights women in 10 countries, mostly impoverished, and observes the limited rights of women across the globe. The documentary will be shown at Stewart Memorial Library, 1220 1st Avenue, at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m.

• This event is full, but Mount Mercy University’s Kids Against Hunger club will be hosting a food packaging event on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day from 9 a.m. to noon in Betty Cherry Heritage Hall on campus. The team expects to package over 4,000 meals.

• The African American Museum of Iowa in Cedar Rapids will have free admission, special activities for kids, documentaries and light refreshments. Check out the website for the African American Museum of Iowa to get a preview of current exhibits.

• Linn-Mar and Marion Independent schools will be closed on Jan. 21, although technically the closure is for a staff development day.
• In a late change, Cedar Rapids schools will also be closed on MLK Day, in part because of the outcry from NAACP leaders in Des Moines, the Gazette reports.
• Bank of the West, 770 7th Ave. in Marion will be closed on Jan. 21.
• Linn Area Credit Union, 3375 7th Ave. in Marion will be closed on Jan. 21.
• City offices will be open and services will continue as usual, as will the library.
• There's no U.S. Postal Service retail service or regular delivery service (except for Sunday/Holiday Premium Express Mail ) on the MLK holiday.  
• Did we miss anything? Let us know in the comments.

• Mount Mercy University, Busse Hall, 1330 Elmhurst Dr., Jan. 14-20 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Coe College, Lower Gage Memorial Union, 1220 1st Ave. NE., Jan. 14-20 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Linn County Public Health, 501 13th St. NW , Jan. 14-18 and 21 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• The United Way of East Central Iowa, 317 7th Ave SE. in Cedar Rapids, Jan. 21 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Goodwill Stores, 5520 Council St. NE, Cedar Rapids, 2000 Scotty Dr. SW, Cedar Rapids, or 3202 7th Ave, Marion on January 21st from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.