“Life’s most persistent and urgent question is: What are you doing for others?”

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

On the third Monday of January every year, MLK Day is a time to celebrate and remember an inspirational leader who believed in serving others to better our communities. Below you’ll find MLK Day volunteer opportunities, as well as family-friendly activities to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

MLK Day Activities and Volunteering Opportunities in Philly

As a national holiday, many parents use this day to teach their children about civic responsibility and volunteering through activities like packing food, distributing clothes, and planting trees. Consequently, nonprofits have expanded their offerings, with some creating special programming and others extending the day of service into a full week, to engage new supporters and help more people in need.

In addition to the volunteer activities listed here, visit the Philadelphia’s Martin Luther King Day of Service for more service events.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Hope with JEVS

Friday, January 16, 10 am–4 pm
Philadelphia, PA, 19109 (Detailed location shared with registered volunteers.)

In celebration of MLK Day, JEVS Human Service Work Ready and Career Strategies hosts a Work Ready event. During this event, volunteers will help in distributing food, household items, clothing, resources, employment information, and more. For more details, sign up for this opportunity or view their website.

Project Smile with Baby Gear Group Jenkintown

Sunday, January 18, 11 am–12 pm
Baby Gear Group Jenkintown & Mosaic Strength Collective, 2278 Mt Carmel Ave., 2nd Floor, Glenside, 19038

For this pop-up service project, Baby Gear Group Jenkintown and Kindness Crew Abington will work with volunteers to assemble hygienic toiletries for local distribution. Their goal is to create 100 oral care kits to be distributed to food pantries in the Abington area.

Habitat for Humanity’s MLK Day of Service

Monday, January 19, 8:30 am–3 pm
1843 N. 17th St., Philadelphia, 19121

In partnership with individual volunteers, Habitat for Humanity will honor MLK day by building and repairing homes in need for affordable housing. Depending on the day’s need, volunteer work varies. These tasks usually include putting a concrete/mortar mixture on the basement walls to strengthen the house’s foundation. Overall, it’s best to prepare for hands-on work and wear clothes that you don’t mind becoming messy. No skill or experience is necessary, just curiosity and readiness to help out. For more information, view their website.

FDR Park Clean Up with Fairmount Park Conservancy

Monday, January 19, 9 am–12 pm
FDR Park’s Meadow Lake, Pattison Ave. & South Broad St., Philadelphia, 19145

Volunteers will get the chance to take care of South Philadelphia’s most unique natural spaces by removing invasive species and litter around FDR Park’s Meadow Lake. This is done in preparation for their Spring 2026 plantings of native trees and shrubs. This event is open to all ages and abilities, with no experience required. Specific tasks include planting preparation, trimming vines, and trash cleanup.

Photo Courtesy of Please Touch Museum.

West Fairmount Park Clean Up with Fairmount Park Conservancy

Monday, January 19, 9 am–12 pm
Parkside Evans Playground, 5300 Parkside Ave., Philadelphia, 19131

To celebrate MLK Day, volunteers will work on removing invasive species and trash pick-up alongside Fairmount Park Conservancy and Philadelphia Parks & Recreation staff. But, depending on the volunteer turnout, projects may include dividing work at nearby areas, like the Parkside Tunnel and the Mann area steps. No experience is required, and all are welcomed.

MLK Day of Service at Historic Fair Hill

Monday, January 19, 10 am–12 pm
Historic Fair Hill, 2901 Germantown Ave., Philadelphia, 19133

Come together for a neighborhood clean up at Historic Fair Hill. To commemorate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy, there will be words and songs shared, alongside the clean up. Interested volunteers may register through this link or view their website.

MLK Day of Service with the Schuylkill Center

Monday, January 19, 11:00 am–1:30 pm
The Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education, 8480 Hagy’s Mill Road, Philadelphia, 19128

The Schuylkill Center will honor Dr. King’s legacy through projects focused on protecting the health of their forest and nature. These service projects are diverse, so everyone has the opportunity to participate. While all are welcomed, they ask that volunteers register beforehand through their website for further updates.

MLK Jr. Day at Please Touch Museum

Monday, January 19, 9:00 am–4:30 pm
Please Touch Museum, 4231 Avenue of the Republic, Philadelphia, 19131

At Please Touch Museum, families will celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy through a full day of hands-on experiences. Some of the day’s activities include a science workshop with local scientist Nafees Norris, frame weaving with Allens Lane Art Center teaching artists, confidence-building improv with Music Theatre Philly, and more. Visit their website to learn more of the day’s schedule and get tickets.

Unitarian Society of Germantown

Now until Monday, January 19
The Unitarian Society of Germantown, 6511 Lincoln Drive, Philadelphia, 19119

To celebrate MLK Day, the Unitarian Society of Germantown is hosting service projects from early January through Monday, January 19. From donation drives to supply pick-up/drop-off, volunteers can participate at home or in-person.

Photo Courtesy of MANNA.

Other Organizations for Year-Round Volunteering

While the organizations mentioned above offer great MLK Weekend opportunities, you don’t have to limit yourself to just these options. Many other nonprofits or organizations provide both MLK Day activities and year-round volunteer services.

Broad Street Love

Broad Street Love practices radical hospitality by serving nutritious meals and providing people facing hardship and homelessness with life-stabilizing services. Volunteer opportunities include administrative support, sorting inventory, assisting with meal service, and more. Register now.

Caring For Friends Food Bank

Caring for Friends Food Bank is one of the largest food banks in the Philadelphia area with the most comprehensive free senior meals delivery program. Some in-person volunteer opportunities include becoming a visitor or driver, cooking in their community kitchen, assembling snack bags for seniors, or assisting in the office with data entry and phone outreach. At home opportunities include cooking meals and making caring cards that accompany snack bags for people facing hunger.

MANNA

MANNA provides critical nutrition to thousands of our neighbors who need it most. Each year, more than 9,400 volunteers donate over 56,000 hours of their time to help the nonprofit deliver medically tailored meals and nutrition counseling to people battling serious diseases such as cancer and HIV/AIDS. This MLK Day is a great time to commit to service by becoming a volunteer. Please note that there is no minimum commitment required but all commitments are greatly appreciated.

Project HOME

Project HOME offers various opportunities for you and your family to help people experiencing homelessness. For example, you can participate in street cleanups, pick up and drop off needed items, or write notes of hope to clients.

The Wardrobe

This nonprofit provides a stable source of well-maintained clothing that is suitable for any need, from casual to workwear. They offer it for free to anyone facing clothing insecurity. Those who want to help can visit their volunteer page to sign up for volunteer training to help clients find the clothing that best fits their needs. You could also check out their website to see what they need. Then go through your closet to find some items to donate, and drop them off at their Philly or Upper Darby location.

Looking for More Volunteer Options?

MLK Day is a popular time to volunteer. Explore these organizations for more potential day of service options:

• Global Citizen
• Volunteer Match
• Points of Light.

Perhaps a year–round philanthropy endeavor is more on your mind? Consider joining the ranks of these organizations:

• Junior League of Philadelphia
• The Saturday Club
• 100 Who Care Alliance, Southeast PA chapters: (Downingtown, Montgomery County, Phoenixville, Philadelphia)
• The Women’s Auxiliary to Chester County Hospital

Philly Day of Service on MLK Day and Beyond

This MLK holiday offers an opportunity to honor Dr. King’s legacy by turning reflection into action through service. Whether you volunteer for a day or commit to regular involvement, every act of service counts. Overall, by volunteering, you and your family continue his vision of a more equitable and compassionate community.

Find Additional MLK Day Events on the Calendar

Photograph by Casey Kallen.