Registration now open for 2026 Pack the Dome, kicking off “Spring Into Service”
Registration now open for 2026 Pack the Dome, kicking off “Spring Into Service”
Annual MLK Day of Service returns January 19 in partnership with Northeast Iowa Food Bank and Volunteer Center of Cedar Valley
CEDAR FALLS, Iowa – Registration is now open for the University of Northern Iowa’s annual Pack the Dome event, held on Monday, Jan. 19, 2026, in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Volunteers from area businesses, schools, campus departments, student organizations and the general public are invited to participate. Spaces fill quickly, and early registration is strongly encouraged.
One of the area’s largest volunteer efforts, Pack the Dome is hosted inside the UNI-Dome in partnership with the Northeast Iowa Food Bank and the Volunteer Center of Cedar Valley. Together, volunteers will work to package thousands of meals for families across the region to be distributed through the Northeast Iowa Food Bank in support of its Backpack Program.
This year’s event also marks the official kickoff of Spring Into Service: Cats Who Care, a semester-long service initiative recognizing UNI’s 150th anniversary. Spring Into Service highlights UNI’s commitment to community engagement throughout its sesquicentennial celebration.
“Pack the Dome is one of UNI’s most powerful traditions because it brings together people of all ages and backgrounds to make a meaningful impact,” said UNI President Mark Nook. “As we continue our sesquicentennial year, this event is a reminder of the spirit of service that has shaped UNI for 150 years.”
“The MLK Day of Service and the event, Pack the Dome, reminds us that service isn’t just an action but rather a commitment to showing up for our community when it matters most,” said Lauren Finke, executive director of Volunteer Center of the Cedar Valley.
Beginning December 1 at noon, volunteers can register at https://vccv.galaxydigital.com/
