Martin Luther King Jr. Day isn’t just another day off school. It’s a national day of service, offering opportunities to give back to our communities. And it’s a great opportunity for tweens to engage in the practice of coming together to give back. Here is a round-up of tween friendly volunteer activities taking place in our area.
MLK Mitzvah-Thon at Or Hadash in Fort Washington, PA
Attendees will make sleeping mats for homeless people, bottle bricks from trash, challah, kindness kits for homeless people, toiletry gift bags for low income families, and write letters urging elected officials to ACT for a fair and just world and MORE. The synagogue will also be collecting toiletries, postcards, and stamps.
MLK Day Storytime & Craft at the South Philly Branch of the Free Library of Philadelphia
Free storytime for children and their parents to honor Martin Luther King. After they will have crafts and an opportunity to serve the community by helping to pack hygiene kits for those in need. This program is in collaboration with the Jackson Elementary School HSA and Climate Committee.
MLK Day of Service with General Philip Kearny Elementary School
Kearny kicks off the first stage of its Reading Room renovations with some clean-up and organization. Volunteers will be getting the room ready and maybe even painting depending on how far the carpenters have gotten by then.
2020 MLK Weekend: Read, Write, Resist at The African American Museum
The African American Museum in Philadelphia and Citizens Bank host their annual MLK Day Celebration. The theme for this year is “Read. Write. Resist!” Programs for the day include: The Citizens Bank Scavenger Hunt, a re-enactment of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by Carlo Campbell, a visit from the Phillie Phanatic, This Far by Faith: As seen through the pages of African American Children’s Books with presenting illustrator and author Floyd Cooper and Author Pamela Tuck, and a MLK Memorial Concert. ($2 general admission)
MLK Jr Day of Service at Awbury Arboretum
Volunteers will work in groups on tasks ranging from clearing invasive vines to seeking and destroying spotted lanternfly egg masses. After a morning of work everyone is invited to share in a potluck soup lunch and time of reflection at the Cope House.
MLK Day of Service Cleanup at Nebinger School
Join Nebinger PTA and Friends of Nebinger for an outdoor cleanup. Free coffee and donuts for volunteers.
MLK Day at the National Constitution Center
Family Concerts featuring songs about Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and his ideas in Kirby Auditorium. The event runs 9:30 AM – 3 PM, with service projects, crafts, and dramatic readings of Dr. King’s “I Have a Dream” speech after each Two of a Kind performance. ($5)
MLK Day of Service at Beth Am Israel in Bala Cynwyd
Adult and Teen Programs include A Conversation around Criminal Justice Reform, Yoga and Mindfulness Practice Sessions, “Spoken Word” writing session, and Cooking for people living in homeless shelters. Kids Activities include making shelter animal toys for PAWS and PSPCA, sorting clothes for those in need, recording audio children’s books, and craft projects for therapy goats and other causes.
Cradles to Crayons Collection Drives
Cradles to Crayons will have collection sites throughout the Greater Philadelphia area for essential items for children 0-12 living in poverty. You can also host your own collection drive using the tools on their Web site.
Mural Painting at City Year’s Day of Service Event
Accompany City Year AmeriCorps members and staff, community leaders, neighbors, and friends on a full day of community service painting 100 murals to help beautify the public schools’ interiors. This event is for all ages. Snack, water, and a light lunch will be provided to all. Please wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes and clothing to paint in. John Welsh School, 2331 N 4th St. and John F. Hartranft School, 720 W Cumberland St.
Girard College Volunteer Hub
Historic Girard College serves as our region’s King Day of Service hub, with some 150 projects, workshops, trainings, jobs fair, civic engagement expo, health and wellness fair, and other events, along with thousands of volunteers.
