Every year on the third Monday in January, we celebrate the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. His legacy of service, community and social justice continues to inspire me more than 54 years after his assassination. I’ve always heard that MLK Day should be considered a “day on, not a day off.” There are lots of activities and events happening across the Chicagoland area this upcoming weekend. Here is a round-up of MLK Day family volunteer activities in Chicago.
Sunday, January 15
Dad’s Day In at Muse Coffee Studio
Muse Coffee Studio is one of my favorite places ever. The owner/barista/DJ/vibesetter, George Davis, is a good friend and is always giving back. He’s inviting dads and father figures to bring their kiddos to Dad’s Day In and pack love kits with socks, a blanket and toiletries.
The cost to participate is $20 and that includes supplies, food and snacks. Register on their event page.
RELATED: Chicago Do-Good Cafes
Monday, January 16
King Day of Service: Bronzeville
Organic Oneness is hosting a day of service for Bronzeville residents and community partners. Attendees will meet at King High School for a light breakfast and inspirational program before going to one of four sites in the historic Chicago neighborhood. Volunteer projects include: painting murals, organizing libraries, and creating “Blessing Bags” for people without housing.
For more information and to register, visit the event page.
ChiGivesBack: 5th Annual MLK Jr. Day of Service
Since 2019, ChiGivesBack has hosted their annual MLK Jr. Day of Service project in support of a public school. This year, they will be on the South Side at Morgan Park High School repainting their cafeteria, gym, and teacher’s lounge.
Email them at Contact@ChiGivesBack.com for more information and to register.
MLK Day of Service: Breathe, Peace, Yoga
Girls Inc. of Chicago, an organization inspiring girls to be strong, smart and bold (love this) is hosting Breathe. Peace. Yoga. Attendees will participate in free yoga sessions, engage with health vendors and participate in discussions around building peace and community. Get all the details on this free event here.
Obama Foundation and Honeycomb Project MLK Day of Service
Honeycomb Project is the go-to organization in Chicago for family volunteering. They coordinate hundreds of projects each year for children and families. On MLK Day, they are partnering with the Obama Foundation for a day of service at the South Side YMCA. Activities include preparing meals, creating birthday cards for seniors, planting seeds for produce and packing self-care kits for those in need. You can still register for the event here.
MLK Day of Service: Warm Up America (Naperville)
Children and teens (6th-12th grades) can volunteer at the Naperville Public Library on Monday. Students will create blankets for Warm Up America, an organization that donates blankets to those in need. Registration slots are limited. Sign up here!
If you’re unable to make to one of these events, you can still do an at-home volunteer project.
How are you recognizing MLK Day this year?
No Comments