Every year, area residents sacrifice their weekends, and their comfort, to bring attention to causes that are important to them.

Two such events are planned this month.

Each January, a civil rights march takes place in Washington, D.C., as hundreds of thousands of pro-life supporters walk peacefully down Constitution Avenue to remember the Jan. 22, 1973, anniversary of the Supreme Court decision to legalize abortion in the U.S.

Since that decision, more than 40 million babies have had their lives terminated, denied the most basic civil right – the right to life.

Locally, there is a Walk for Life annually as a show of unity with the walkers in Washington.

This year’s walk will take place this Sunday beginning at 1:30 p.m. in the parking lot on B Street near Kingsley North and St. Vincent de Paul.

The walk continues down Stephenson Avenue and concludes at Hardees.

“In the spirit of the civil rights movement of the past and as a show of support for the rights of all Americans, born and unborn, please consider joining us on Sunday,” organizers said.

Additionally, hundreds of Dickinson and Iron County community members will brave the cold and walk or run Jan. 31 during the 3rd annual Frosty 5K and Merry Mile.

The events are hosted by Dickinson-Iron Community Services Agency (DICSA) as part of Walk for Warmth, which collects donations to help eligible households pay utility bills.

“The money raised at Walk for Warmth will help low-income families with their heating bills,” says Sandie Essendrup, DICSA executive director. “The Dickinson and Iron communities step up every year to assist those less fortunate.”

In 2013 more than 200 people participated in Walk for Warmth and helped raise more than $7,000 to help keep the heat on for low-income families in Dickinson and Iron counties. Some participants came from as far away as Wisconsin and Illinois.

Sponsors for the event include YMCA, Great Start, Rheem Heating & Cooling, Boss Snowplow, MJ Electric, CJ Graphics, Systems Control, CCI Systems, Superior Timing and DCH System. Awards for division and overall winners will be handed out at the conclusion of the events.

The Frosty 5K will start at the Iron Mountain Senior Center, 700 Crystal Lake Blvd. in Iron Mountain at 10 a.m. The Merry Mile will start at 10:05 a.m. For more information please call Dana Waara at (906) 774-2256 x211.

Founded in 1975, Michigan Community Action serves its 29 member agencies throughout Michigan to strengthen their capacity to alleviate the causes and circumstances of poverty.

Some say Americans have grown too apathetic, and complacent.

Let’s hear it for local residents who back up their words with action.