As with so many things, MLK Day of Service is being reimagined this year so the community can participate safely and without gathering together in the same physical space. We have a handful of exciting projects to announce, with a special focus on supporting local non-profits working to address hunger and food insecurity.

This year, we will be spreading these out as the “MLK Week of Service,” starting on Friday, January 8. The majority of our projects will wrap up on MLK Day — Monday, January 18.  Our Miles for Meals Walk-A-Thon will continue through Sunday, January 24.

“Miles for Meals” Walk-a-Thon (Through Sunday, January 24)

Collect donations, lace up your sneakers, and then walk, run, or jog around your neighborhood or go on a hike! Money raised through this socially distanced event will go directly to local organizations working to fight hunger and reduce food insecurity in the DMV.

Learn More & Walk With Us

For the projects below, you can drop off any of the items we are collecting at WHC (3935 Macomb St. NW, Washington, DC) or JBSC (11810 Falls Rd., Potomac, MD) during regular business hours (Monday – Friday, 8:00 am – 4:00 pm). We will also hold a special “Drop-Off Day” on MLK Day: Monday, January 18 from 11:00 am – 1:00 pm at both Temple and JBSC.

City-Wide Non-Perishable Food Drive (Through Monday, January 18)

Help us collect 18,980 pounds of food to help those in need right here in our area. Our nearly 9.5-ton goal represents the number of days since the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. 52 years ago.

All non-perishable food items are being accepted. Please click here to see a list of most-requested items. You can drop off your donations at Temple or JBSC or order online and have it delivered to Temple.

No-Sew Fleece Blankets (Through Monday, January 18)

There are 3 ways to participate in this project:

1. 1. Sign up to pick up a kit to make a fleece blanket (and a card to go with it). Kits must be picked up at Temple but can be brought back to either JBSC or Temple when finished.
   2. Purchase your own fabric and use these instructions to make a blanket at home. Once complete, drop it off at Temple or JBSC.
   3. Buy any blanket of your choice from your favorite retailer. Have it sent to or drop it off at Temple or JBSC.

“Thank You” Cards for Front-Line Workers (Through Monday, January 18)

Download and print the card template (landscape orientation), decorate your card, write a message, and return it to Temple or JBSC.

MLK Week of Service is generously supported by the TOV Fund.