Monday plans

This Monday is MLK Day, known as a national day of service. You may not want to get out and serve, given COVID case counts, but there are ways to support the community virtually and through donations.

This could be also be a time, like new year's resolutions season, to consider what long-term volunteer opportunities you might want to engage in, like joining the local YMCA as a volunteer, or becoming a big brother or big sister. I’m sure there are other local orgs you’ve been eyeing, but never had the time to take the plunge. Reply to this email to share what's on your list.

Also, note: The Technical.ly home offices will be closed on Monday in observation of the holiday.  See you back in your inbox on Tuesday.

 Dropping gems

• Taylor Poindexter just noted an opening for a backend dev on her team at Spotify.
• Saba Karim, director of startup pipeline at Techstars, dropped a startup starter pack thread with every item you need to get your startup off the ground and the orgs that can provide it.
• For those looking for a primer on Web3, NFTs and Ethereum, Jackson Dame, creator of Rainbow Ethereum Wallet hosted a Twitter Space Q&A for beginners.

In other news

• The future is here: University of Maryland doctors performed the first heart transplant with a pig heart.
• Baltimore’s state attorney has been indicted for perjury and mortgage fraud.
• All 22 Enoch Pratt Libraries are distributing rapid COVID-19 home test kits on Saturdays this month from 10 a.m. to noon while supplies last.

Volunteer opportunities

• Find virtual service projects through Civic Works.
• Donate to some local nonprofits like Dent Education, Charm: Voices of Baltimore Youth and WideAngle Youth Media.
• The United Way of Central Maryland has an assortment of virtual and distanced opportunities to volunteer.

— Technical.ly reporter Donte Kirby (donte@technical.ly)