The upcoming long weekend is a time to remember and appreciate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s contributions to our country, so while your kids may be jockeying to watch their favorite movies or play video games, why not look for ways to observe this important holiday? Your family can give back in the spirit of Dr. King with a “Day of Service” activity, take part in an MLK Jr. donation drive, honor his legacy at a celebration, or do a little bit of all three. Make use of your kids’ day off by making Monday a day on—and teach them the valuable lessons of kindness and service at the same time. And for more ways to give back, check out our guide to charity events this month. (featured photo credit: iStock.com/Sean Pavone)
(Note: It’s always best to check ahead for in-person events)
Martin Luther King Jr. Day Events
Winter Clean-Up: MLK Day of Service
January 19 at 9 AM
This is a wonderful opportunity to honor the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. by picking up litter and removing invasive shrubs and plants in the woods. They will provide work gloves, hand warmers, and tools. Please dress for the weather and pack a snack and a drink.
Cost: Free
250 MacArthur Boulevard, Haddon Township, NJ 08033
Jersey Cares’ Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service
January 20, various times
Your whole family can help out at this event virtually or in person. You can draw an electronic card, take a virtual Chopped challenge, or participate in a virtual workshop on understanding homelessness. In-person project opportunities include coat sorting, an “I Have A Dream Walk” in Millburn, kit assemblies in East Orange, Rahway, and Jersey City, a clean-up in Branch Brook Park in Newark, and revitalization projects in Jersey City, Rahway, and East Orange.
Cost: Free
In-person locations in Hudson, Essex, Morris, and Union counties.
Community Day Martin Luther King Jr: Stronger Together
January 20 at 12 PM
Head to the Newark Museum for a day to come together and celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s life, vision, and legacy. This year’s theme is Stronger Together, which reminds us that no matter what happens, we are always stronger together.
Cost: Free
Newark Museum, 49 Washington Street, Newark, NJ 07102
National Day of Service at Reeves-Reed Arboretum
January 20 at 9 AM
Families can stop by the Arboretum (on the patio outside the Stackhouse Education Center) to create Valentine cards to be delivered to the community’s Essential Workers. The Arboretum will supply paper, ribbon, yarn, and other recycled and saved materials for your thoughtful card.
Cost: Free
Reeves-Reed Arboretum – 165 Hobart Ave, Summit, NJ 07901
Scotch Plains Fanwood MLK Day of Service
January 20, times vary per activity
Adults and families can join the Scotch Plains/Fanwood community to learn, remember, and volunteer. Volunteering opportunities include collecting winter hats and gloves, collecting food, and creating health kits. There will also be story time and art projects.
Cost: Free
Locations vary
The Visual Arts Center of New Jersey
January 20 at 12:30 PM
Drop in to paint rocks to contribute to the community rock garden. You will have the chance to spread messages of peace, love, and hope or create an image that is all your own. The finished rocks will live in the Art Center’s rock garden for the community to enjoy.
Cost: Free
The Visual Arts Center of New Jersey- 68 Elm Street, Summit, NJ 07901
A Day of Service In Nature
January 20 at 10 AM or 1 PM
Friends of Princeton Open Space, a nonprofit dedicated to land preservation, is hosting a Day of Service in Nature in honor of Dr. King at the Billy Johnson Mountain Lakes Nature Preserve in Princeton. Have the whole family join (a parent must accompany kids under 16) to help restore native habitat for birds and other wildlife and make space for future native plantings.
Cost: Free; complete a waiver form
Mountain Lake House Parking lot: 57 Mountain Ave, Princeton, NJ 08540. Then, walk as a group to the project site.
West Windsor Arts Council’s MLK Jr. Day of Service 2025
January 20 at 10 AM
Bring donations and help organize basic necessity kits for babies, moms in need, kids, and homeless shelters.
Cost: Free
West Windsor Arts Center – 952 Alexander Road, Princeton Junction, NJ 08550
Gloucester Township’s Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service
January 20 at 8:30 AM
Be a part of fun and worthwhile service projects that will impact the entire community. Activities will include creating kits for the homeless, helping animals, volunteering with seniors, and more, which will occur on-site and at locations around Gloucester Township.
Cost: Free
Charles W. Lewis Middle School, 875 Erial Road, Blackwood, NJ 08012
Ocean City’s Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Ceremony
January 20 at 12 PM
This event brings the community together to remember Dr. King through words, songs, and dance. The City of Ocean City annually honors residents of Ocean City with the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Service Awards. There will also be a buffet luncheon.
Cost: Free
Ocean City Music Pier – 825 Boardwalk, Ocean City, NJ 08226
Volunteer Center of Burlington County’s 19th Annual MLK Day Challenge
January 20 at 10 AM
Burlington County residents can join hundreds of thousands of Americans nationwide in remembering and memorializing Dr. King by participating in activities such as food collection for the Oaks Integrated Food Pantry, animal supplies collection for Burlington County Animal Shelter, greeting card making for seniors, and donating newborn supplies.
Cost: Free
Burlington County Library, 5 Pioneer Boulevard, Westampton, NJ 08036
MLK Day Poster-Making Workshop
January 20 at 1 PM
Join the Arts Council of Princeton as they celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr with a free poster-making workshop. The workshop is open to all ages, and they will provide the materials to create a poster highlighting civil justice. Please bring a non-perishable food item to benefit Princeton Nursery School.
Cost: Free
Solley Theater – Arts Council of Princeton, 102 Witherspoon Street, Princeton, NJ 08542
Stockton University MLK Day of Service
January 20 at 8:30 AM
This event brings together over 500 students and community members, encompassing 15+ projects on and off campus in Galloway, Hammonton, Atlantic City, and Woodbine. Events include clean-ups, food donations, card making, assembling crafts for nursing homes and hospitals, and more.
Cost: Free
Various locations in Atlantic County
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