Due to COVID-19, the format for 15th Annual MLK Day Challenge on Jan. 18 will be a drop-off only event at the Burlington County Library Main Branch at 5 Pioneer Blvd. in Westampton from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The purpose of the Challenge is to encourage Burlington County residents to join hundreds of thousands of Americans across the country in remembering and memorializing Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. 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.”
In recognition of that spirit, Congress in 1994 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.
- Food Collection for the Oaks Integrated Food Pantry – Mount Holly serving Burlington County residents accepts food donations which include peanut butter and jelly, breakfast items such as oatmeal and cereal, kid friendly snacks such as granola bars, canned meat/fish, microwaveable foods such as easy mac or Chef Boyardee, and canned fruits and vegetables
- Animal Supplies Collection for Burlington County Animal Shelter: Caring for our animals requires a lot of time, love, money, and supplies. Below is our “Wish List.” Donating the following items help us with the day-to-day care of our animals and support our operational needs. Thank You! Frontline, canned dog food, HE laundry detergent, dry dog food, towels, blankets, sheets dog treats, pillow cases, wash rags, dog toys (especially plastic/rubber), antibacterial hand soap/hand sanitizer, canned cat food, paper towels dry cat food, brooms, scrub bushes, cat toys (plastic), fabric softener sheets, cat litter (non-clumping), bleach and plug in room fresheners
- Operation Yellow Ribbon of South Jersey Collection: Operation Yellow Ribbon supports United States Military Forces serving in the Middle East including Iraq, Afghanistan, as well as those supporting Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Inherent Resolve. Items requested and appreciated include:Tasty Kakes, Protein/Energy Bars, Protein Powder, Girl Scout Cookies, 5 Hour Energy Drink Products, Mio Liquid Water Enhancer, Rice Crispy treats, Bagged tuna and chicken, chewing gum/hard candy,etc, Dry roasted peanuts/mixed nuts, Potato chips in cylinder or can, Dried fruit, Beef Jerky, Baby powder, Baby wipes, Visine or Saline eye drops, Chapstick, Crystal Light Drink Mix Individual Packets, Powdered drink mix (Gatorade, etc.), Puffs/Kleenex, Hand sanitizer, Puzzle or crossword books, Batteries (AA, AAA, C, D), Hand held electronic games: poker, bingo, etc., Foot powder, Sunscreen, Skittles, Swedish Fish ,Twizzlers, Breakfast Bars, Slim Jim’s • Ground Coffee • Tea • Pumpkin Seeds Sunflower Seeds. Specialty Items for Women include: Shampoo & Conditioner, Moisturizing Bath Soap, Ladies Deodorant, Body Lotion• Emery Boards, Small Hand Mirrors, Shower Sponges/Loofahs, Body Wash, Q-Tips, Ladies hygiene products
- Greeting Card Making – Make greeting cards for residents of assisted living living facilities
Note: All collected/donated Items and greeting cards to be dropped-off at parking lot at Burlington County Library Main Branch, Pioneer Blvd., Westampton, NJ from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 18.
If your group, business, place of worship or school is conducting a community service project in honor of Dr. King on or about MLK Day please notify the Volunteer Center – [email protected].
For more information call: (856) 222-9311 x 1492 – email: [email protected]
