More than one thousand people across the Tampa Bay area are expected to help serve neighbors in need of food.

TAMPA, Fla. — Volunteers with Feeding Tampa Bay are set to gather across the region on Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day to help fill a critical gap in affordable food access. 

About one thousand people are expected to participate in the day of service to honor the life and legacy of the late civil rights activist. 

Events with the hunger relief organization will span Hillsborough, Pinellas and Pasco counties. 

The largest is taking place at the Causeway Center in Tampa, where volunteers are packaging food boxes in the warehouse, serving hot meals in the Bistro and helping shoppers pick out their own groceries in the Market. 

“Today is about getting involved,” President and CEO of Feeding Tampa Bay, Thomas Mantz said. “Instead of having a day off, we’re asking people to do a day of work to make our community better.”

There are still opportunities open to give back to Tampa Bay. You can register on Feeding Tampa Bay’s website.

Last year was the first-ever day of service the organization held, which garnered the help of more than 500 volunteers.Â