The Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday is the only federal holiday observed as a national day of service. In the city of Decatur, more than 1,000 people concluded three days of service to help others.
Two dozen homes received some cosmetic help from volunteers.
"It's great to give back on a day for somebody who gave much to so many people. I feel like I'm honoring his name," said Teresa Taylor, who was assisting at a senior's home in the Oakhurst community.
The city's annual service project provides free maintenance to homeowners over 65 on a fixed income.
"To not have to leave your home when you get to be older because you can't afford the upkeep -- it's good for all of us," said Molly Nuttall.
The project honors Dr. King with action, not just words.
"Certainly MLK was all about bringing folks together and doing the right thing. That's what we're doing here. It's just helping neighbors and making a better place for all of us," said Nuttall.
Decatur's service project runs with funding through grants, corporate sponsors, and community organizations for the past 11 years.
Sunday, May 19 2013 1:19 PM EDT2013-05-19 17:19:01 GMT
President Barack Obama addressed a crowd of soggy graduates and guests at Morehouse College's spring commencement ceremony on Sunday.
President Barack Obama addressed a crowd of soggy graduates and guests at Morehouse College's spring commencement ceremony on Sunday, telling graduates to take the power of their example-- as black men graduating from college-- and use it to improve people's lives.
Sunday, May 19 2013 12:17 PM EDT2013-05-19 16:17:01 GMT
President Barack Obama addressed graduates at Morehouse College's commencement ceremony in Atlanta on Sunday.
President Barack Obama addressed graduates at Morehouse College's commencement ceremony in Atlanta on Sunday, marking the first time a sitting president has made a commencement address in Georgia since 1938. See photos from his visit to Atlanta here!
Saturday, May 18 2013 10:09 PM EDT2013-05-19 02:09:05 GMT
They say you can't win if you don't play, and thousands of people are. The jackpot for Saturday night's Powerball drawing is an estimated $600 million, giving many a bad case of lottery fever.
They say you can't win if you don't play, and thousands of people are. The jackpot for Saturday night's Powerball drawing is an estimated $600 million, giving many a bad case of lottery fever.