In honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Delta Dental of Washington partnered with local community organizations to honor Dr. King's vision of unity, service, and equality. Thank you to our employees who united to support our community partners who are dedicated to supporting housing and food security for all Washingtonians.
Our partners – three incredible groups – provided employees with a way to give back to the community, in the spirit of Dr. King.
Food Lifeline
Employees from Delta Dental of Washington volunteered at Food Lifeline, sorting food items into batches that will be shared with families in Western Washington.
“With the generous help of our volunteers, we deliver a wide variety of nourishing foods to 299 agency partners throughout 17 counties in Western Washington,” said Leeann Huntington, senior corporate relations officer at Food Lifeline. “Last year, we served over 1,700,000 people through our partner network. Our volunteers demonstrate the power of community and how much we can do to impact our community when we take positive action together.”
Food Lifeline’s mission is to feed people experiencing hunger today while working to end hunger for tomorrow. They believe access to nutritious, culturally relevant foods is a basic human right. Food Lifeline works closely with those experiencing food insecurity, as people facing hunger are best positioned to identify its solutions. Like Delta Dental of Washington, Food Lifeline knows driving change via public policy and advocacy is required to disrupt norms and dismantle the political systems and structures that cause and perpetuate issues like hunger and overall health for all.
Martin Luther King Jr. Family Outreach Center
The Martin Luther King Jr. Family Outreach Center in Spokane hosts an annual celebration and resource fair in honor of Dr. King. Delta Dental of Washington employees shared resources and handed out free toothbrushes to attendees.
The Martin Luther King Jr. Family Outreach Center exists to improve the quality of life for children, youth and families in Spokane through an array of culturally responsive educational and social services within the framework of Dr. King’s vision.
Martin Luther King Jr. Family Outreach Center provides critical services and resources to families in need, including education, housing support, and programs that empower individuals to thrive.
Snohomish County Black Heritage Committee
The Snohomish County Black Heritage Committee hosts a two-day celebration of Martin Luther King Jr.’s accomplishments.
On Sunday, January 19, there were speeches, poetry readings, and performances from the Greater Everett Martin Luther King Celebration Choir.
On Monday, January 20, a rally marched through Everett, ending at the Carl Gipson Center, where community resource tables were set up. Delta Dental of Washington employees handed out free toothbrushes and spoke to attendees about dental benefits.
The Committee works to preserve and celebrate Black heritage while promoting equity, inclusion, and community connection in the region.
“Without the support of our volunteers, community partners and planning committee members, SCBHC would not be able to successfully accomplish our goal of organizing the activities and events that we put on,” said DanVonique Bletson-Reed, a member of the committee. “We would be not able to make the impact nor educate the community about who we are and the importance or relevance of the work that we do. We need each other to survive, and we are grateful for our volunteers and all those who support our mission.”
We are grateful to these organizations, which place community health at the forefront of their mission. We are proud to partner with them to honor Dr. King’s legacy.
"Each of these organizations plays a crucial role in supporting their communities, and we are truly honored to collaborate with them," said Diane Oakes, Chief Mission Officer at Delta Dental of Washington. "Martin Luther King Jr. Day offered our employees a meaningful opportunity to engage with our communities, deepen our understanding, and reflect on Dr. King’s powerful teachings. Whether on Martin Luther King Jr. Day or any other day, volunteering in our communities helps us learn and grow as community members ourselves and fosters a more inclusive and compassionate world, where no one is left behind."
