National Day of Service

Last year we were fortunate enough to partner with the first lady, and this year she wanted to thank all of you for submitting questions for her to respond to. We're looking forward to more ways we can work together in 2013, and upon the eve of the inauguration, Michelle Obama reached out to remind us that today is the National Day of Service. Read her letter below and find out the ways you can help now.

Dear PopSugar,

With Barack’s second inauguration just a few days away, I wanted to take a moment to check in with all of you here at PopSugar, to reflect on the past year and to look toward the work that remains.

First, I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for everything you did to inform people about the issues facing our country and the importance of making our voices heard in the election. You all did so much to help us all become more involved and engaged in our democracy — no matter who we were voting for — and that’s something you should be very proud of.

I especially enjoyed answering your questions about the election, life at the White House, and all the issues that come up for moms across the country. It really was a great conversation!

And now, as we look forward, there are so many ways that we can continue to engage with each other and our fellow citizens. For example, on Saturday, Jan. 19, we’ll be hosting my favorite event of inauguration weekend — the National Day of Service — when people from all across the country will come together to volunteer in their communities and honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Keep reading for more from the first lady.

While most kids are accustomed to celebrating Martin Luther King Jr. Day as a welcome day off from school, this year we encourage you to take an active approach to commemorating Dr. King's legacy by participating in the National Day of Service. While the president has officially designated Saturday, Jan. 19 for the occasion, you can really take advantage of any (or all) days of the long weekend to get your family involved. Here are five ways that you and your kids can make a meaningful impact for those in need:

1. Find a Project in Your Community: The Corporation For National and Community Service has come up with an extensive, easy-to-use database of volunteer opportunities across the country. Visit its site, type in your zip code, and choose from any number of projects that matter to you and your family.
2. Clean Out Those Rooms: Even if it's too last-minute to find a community volunteer activity, that doesn't mean your kids can't still partake in giving back. Task them with cleaning out their closets and toys, and then take all the goods that they've decided to get rid of to a nearby Goodwill, your place of worship, or any other facility in your community that accepts gently used goods.
3. Start Your Own Project: Use one of the Corporation For National and Community Service's Service Toolkits to organize a clothing or book drive, support a community garden, or develop a concept of your very own. This approach has the added bonus of teaching kids about leadership and organization.
4. Hurricane Sandy Is Still Leaving Her Mark: It's hard to believe that three months later, many on the East Coast are still feeling the effects of Hurricane Sandy. If you live in the NY/NJ area, then see what volunteer opportunities exist to help still-suffering hurricane victims.
5. Kids Helping Kids: Teach your kids firsthand about the amazing work that the Ronald McDonald House does for the families of sick children by checking out the organization's "30 Ways in 30 Days" suggestions on how volunteers of all ages can help.