Honoring the legacy of MLK through service

MLK Day, officially known as Martin Luther King Jr. Day, is a federal holiday in the United States to honor the civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. King was a Baptist minister and social activist who played a key role in the American Civil Rights Movement from the mid-1950s until his assassination in 1968. MLK Day is observed on the third Monday in January each year, which is close to King's birthday on January 15th.

MLK Day is not only a day to remember King's legacy and his fight for civil rights, but it is also a day to promote community service and volunteerism. The holiday was first observed as a national day of service in 1994, and it is now commonly referred to as the "National Day of Service." The spirit behind this is that people should use the day to serve their communities and to make a positive impact on the world, in honor of King's legacy and message of service.

This year, a group of Panasonic employee volunteers teamed up with the Community Food Bank of New Jersey to help pack and prepare goods for those in need. During the event, Panasonic employees spent an came together to construct and fill 385 boxes that will be delivered to families In addition, Panasonic volunteers rolled up their sleeves to pack enough dry pasta to feed 2,600 families in the local community.

This volunteer event allowed Panasonic employees to live out four of the Company's seven principles: Courtesy & Humility, Contribution to Society, Cooperation & Team Spirit, and Gratitude. The team worked together to make a positive impact on those in need, and the experience was a powerful reminder of the importance of giving back to the community. 

“Visiting Community Food Bank of NJ was amazing. I am grateful that the company provides the opportunity to follow our passion and to give back to society. It is always the little things that matter the most in life and make a difference," said Mine Reed, Manager, Financial Planning & Analysis, Panasonic North America. "Building cardboard boxes is simple and knowing just by doing that, I am contributing to something much bigger warms my heart."

MLK Day and the National Day of Service are important days of reflection and action. They remind us that we all have a responsibility to make the world a better place, and that we can do so by working together. At Panasonic, we are committed to being a responsible corporate citizen and to making a positive impact on the communities where we live and work. We are proud to have been able to do that on this day, and we look forward to continuing to do so in the future.

Are you looking to be part of a company where acts of service happen year-round?

Are you looking to become part of a future-forward organization that brings change to the local community? Check out our Panasonic Careers page to view our open roles and see if we have an opportunity that interests you.

Learn more about who we are as an organization and how our employees are contributing to society through our Office of Social Impact & Inclusion.