Greetings!

As we reflect on the life and legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, let's focus on his desire for peace and equality for all. Remember the sacrifices and spirit of volunteerism he embodied.  

Take a moment to reflect on how you can be of service to others. Make a difference in someone's life. Volunteer, do a random act of kindness, or participate in a community service activity. Make it a virtual family affair. Make it a day where we focus on peace.

This special edition features the Dr. King's I have a Dream speech in it's entirety. Take a moment to gather everyone together to listen to the words he spoke. Take a moment to perform just one random act of kindness for someone. 

Have a great "day on" everyone!

Liz
History and Meaning of MLK Day

In 1994, Congress passed the King Holiday and Service Act. Since then, the Corporation for National and Community Service, in collaboration with the Martin Luther King, Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change, has taken the lead in helping transform the King Holiday into a day of service to meet community needs.

Dr. King fought to have people from all walks of life come together as equals. He knew that service was the great equalizer that can unify mankind. Dr. King said, "Everybody can be great, because everyone can serve."
 
If you would like to celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. and his legacy for service, click here for events and locations throughout the state of New Jersey. 
I Have a Dream
August 28, 1963

The purpose of the Challenge is to encourage Burlington County residents to join hundreds of thousands Americans across the country in remembering and memorializing Dr. King by participating in service projects in their communities. Together, we will honor King's legacy of tolerance, peace, and equality by meeting community needs and making the holiday a day of community service. Thereby making MLK Day - A Day On, Not a Day Off.

Come out and support this year's Martin Luther King. Jr Day Challenge. It will be a drop-off event. On Monday, January 16 from 10:00 am - 3:00 pm, donations can be dropped off at the Burlington County Library (5 Pioneer Blvd., Westampton, NJ 08060).

  • Oaks Integrated Care Food Pantry: Mount Holly: This food pantry serves Burlington County. They help children, adults and families in need.
  • Operation Yellow Ribbon of South Jersey: This organization supports United States military forces serving in the Middle East as well as those supporting Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Inherent Resolve.
  • Burlington County Animal Shelter: Their vision is to create an environment where all animals receive appropriate care, love and attention. They strive to ensure their animals are placed in committed permanent homes. The shelter also provides essential services for reuniting lost pets with their owners.
You can also drop off greeting cards, which will be delivered to residents of assisted living facilities.
Collection boxes will be in the lobbies of the County Administration Building at 49 Rancocas Road and other County offices and facilities, including the Burlington County Library, 5 Pioneer Boulevard, Westampton, NJ.

Only donations of canned foods are requested. Please make sure all donated items are unexpired and before the sell-by date.


Follow the Volunteer Center of Burlington County: