8 Ways to Volunteer on MLK Day and Beyond
January 08, 2024 Written by Lindsey McLaughlin and Jessica Downey | Photo by Evan Krape
Martin Luther King Day is historically a day to celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with community service and volunteer efforts. Observed on the third Monday of January, this year's day of service falls on January 15. Here are eight ways you can give back in Delaware on MLK Day and beyond.
Attend a community cleanup and peace march
West Side Grows Together are hosting the 12th annual MLK Day Cleanup, Peace March and Celebration. Attendees will clean up the community surrounding the new MSK Community Center in Wilmington from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m., followed by a two-mile peace march leading back to the center. From 1 to 3 p.m., enjoy a celebration featuring local artists, live music, special guest speakers and more.
Clean up a state park
Closest to campus, White Clay Creek State Park is hosting a day of service on MLK Day to pull small plants, remote large shrubs and trees, and cut and pile plant debris. In Wilmington, you can also volunteer all day to help remove a variety of invasive plants in Brandywine Creek State Park. Additionally, you can help reset the parks for the winter by removing holiday decor and lights in Glasgow Park in Newark and Rockford Park in Wilmington from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Can’t make Monday but still interested in volunteering in the parks? Every Thursday from 9 to 11 a.m., you can join the Forest Restoration Team in White Clay to work on the area around the Judge Morris Estate.
Assemble care bags
CHILD, Inc. offers court care bags for families seeking protective orders and are experiencing domestic violence to receive resources they need, including diapers and wipes, feminine products, tissues, reusable water bottles, phone chargers and more. Volunteer to stuff bags with donated items in Wilmington on MLK Day from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Work at a clothing drive
The Friendship House in Wilmington is looking for volunteers to help sort, hang and fold donated clothing for families in need.
Paint a youth wellness center
One Village Alliance is seeking volunteers to assist in painting the new youth wellness center in Wilmington on MLK Day from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Volunteers may also get involved in organizing other spaces, providing mentoring to students and contributing to a think thank focused on wellness.
Donate blood
The Blood Bank of Delmarva is hosting a mobile blood drive on MLK Day at the Chase Center on the Riverfront in Wilmington from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Attend a charity basketball tournament
UnLocke the Light Foundation is hosting its 6th Annual SL24 Basketball Classic to benefit Sean’s House at the Chase Fieldhouse in Wilmington on Friday, February 2 and Saturday, February 3. Volunteers are needed to help with ticketing, greeting, selling raffle tickets, running merchandise tables and more.
Design a Valentine’s Day card for veterans
HeartArt is hosting a remote volunteer opportunity with Valentines for Veterans. From now until Sunday, February 4, you can contribute to valentine bags sent to veterans and active duty service members. Send signed cards (purchased or handmade), individually wrapped snack-size candies and decorated paper lunch bags to HeartArt at 102 Delaware Avenue in Bridgeville, DE or email to coordinate pickup at giveheartart@gmail.com