For the first time in its history, Kaiser Permanente is honoring the remarkable work of Martin Luther King Jr. by observing MLK Day, January 16, as a scheduled, paid holiday for employees and physicians across the organization.

“We are honored that MLK Day is now a paid holiday for our employees to celebrate the life and legacy of Martin Luther King Junior in a way they choose,” said Yvette Radford, Kaiser Permanente Northern California vice president of External and Community Affairs. “This is a tangible demonstration of Kaiser Permanente’s commitment to advance equity and support social justice within our organization and for the people we serve.”

Although employees are encouraged to spend MLK Day in any way they’d like, Kaiser Permanente Northern California will continue its annual MLK Week of Service from January 16 through January 20 with some activities predating this week. 

This is the 19th year that Kaiser Permanente has held its MLK Week of Service with the holiday formerly being known as a “day on” in the organization in which thousands of employees volunteered their time to help those in their community. 

Bay Area in-person event

CANCELLED due to extreme weather. Check back with KPCares for possible re-scheduling.

MLK Day Project at Alameda Point Collaborative

When: Friday, January 13

Time: 8 to 11 a.m.

Where: 2701 Main St, Alameda, CA 94501

On the Friday before MLK Day, Kaiser Permanente Northern California will host a garden weeding, harvesting, and cleanup event at Alameda Point Collaborative (APC). The nonprofit works to end homelessness by providing housing and services on a 34-acre lot to create a community where formerly homeless families and individuals can flourish.

As the largest supportive housing community in Alameda County, APC operates more than 200 housing units and provides job training, health services, and employment. On the grounds there is a garden, bike shop, commercial plant nursery, health center, and community center.

There are about 75 slots open for employees and physicians to harvest produce, pull weeds, organize, and help APC staff ensure the nursery is in top shape.

Virtual events

Virtual volunteering opportunities span from the project-in-a-box creating stuffed animals (the largest virtual event this year), superhero capes, and no-sew blankets, to senior letter writing and reviewing student podcast submissions. KPCares has the full list of virtual employee volunteer opportunities. Click the MLK Day tile, select Northern California, and choose any available project.

Beyond the Bay Area in-person events

• Volunteer at the HOPE Family Shelter in Manteca to help with cleanup, organizing, maintenance, and repairs on January 12.
• Serve meals to those in need at the Modesto Gospel Mission on January 13.
• Do cleanup and maintenance at St. Mary’s Dining Room in Stockton on January 12. 
• Participate in painting, gardening, building, and cleanup at Father Keith B. Kenny Elementary School in Sacramento on January 16.
• Help beautify the park and bike path at MLK Memorial Park in Santa Rosa on January 16.
• Volunteer at Fresno’s Poverello House, which provides food, shelter, and services to those in need on January 16.

Go to KPCares to sign up to volunteer for MLK Day of Service.

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