“We try to improve the looks of that school, either by planting flowers or trees, or sometimes painting, or just cleaning up,” said Burton.

At a local boys and girls club, some volunteers painted while others worked outside digging up weeds in the yard.

Volunteer Flor Braxton says these efforts improve her neighborhood.

“This is one way how we can work together as a team, as a family, as a community, and make something good in our society,” Braxton said.

In Maryland, on the East Coast, the African American college fraternity Alpha Phi Alpha celebrated the legacy of Martin Luther King, who was a member. Cynthia Jiles, who leads a local charity, says King's message of community service is important now.

“There are a lot of people who are having difficulties, a lot of situations that need to be rectified, and we need to start today and then carry on throughout the year,” she said.

Volunteers say these community projects offer a chance to meet neighbors and do good at the same time.