Six Ways to Give Back in Princeton This MLK Jr. Day

Observed each year on the third Monday in January as “a day on, not a day off,” MLK Day is the only federal holiday designated as a national day of service to encourage all Americans to volunteer to improve their communities. Here are 6 events going on this Monday in the local area:

3rd annual "MLK Day of Service and A Community Dialogue"

10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

First United Methodist Church | 187 Stockton Street, Hightstown

Come join us for a day of inspiration, community service, and community dialogue to honor Dr. King! La Convivencia and First United Methodist Church of Hightstown are hosting the 3rd annual "MLK Day of Service and A Community Dialogue". Join us for this free community-building event with your family and friends to make his dreams into a reality.

After the service project, there will be a community conversation. Students can earn volunteer hour certificates.

Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/mlk-day-of-service-and-a-community-dialogue-tickets-86450414517

MLK Day of Service, HomeFront

10:00AM - bus tour

10:45AM - tours of HomeFront’s Family Campus | 101 Celia Way, Ewing

10:45AM - tours of HomeFront’s Headquarters | 1880 Princeton Ave., Lawrenceville

2:00PM - mural painting at HomeFront’s Family Campus | 101 Celia Way, Ewing

MLK Day of Service—is “Tour and Paint Day” at HomeFront.

From 10 am-noon community members can participate in a bus tour of the City of Trenton and hear about HomeFront’s impact in the community, or from 10:45-11:15am, take tours of HomeFront’s nationally recognized Family Campus in Ewing (101 Celia Way), or its headquarters (1880 Princeton Ave., Lawrenceville). That afternoon, from 2-4pm, adults and kids are welcome for a memorable group mural painting experience in ArtSpace, HomeFront’s art therapy room at the Family Campus.

To learn more and register for any or all of these one-of-a-kind events, visit www.homefrontnj.org. HomeFront’s Family Campus is located at 101 Celia Way, Ewing Twp.; HomeFront’s headquarters address is 1880 Princeton Avenue, Lawrenceville.

MLK Day of Service at West Windsor Arts Center

10:00 AM - 1:00 PM

952 Alexander Road, West Windsor

West Windsor Human Relations Council is partnering with the West Windsor Arts Council to hold A DAY OF SERVICE - joining forces to help those in our communities we are asking for donated items for three community groups. The three Not for Profit Service Partners are: 1. Send Hunger Packing West Windsor-Plainsboro a program of Mercer Street Friends; 2. RISE Community Services; 3. Ryan's Case for Smiles.

The Day of Service will feature speakers, a book reading, projects including putting together bags for use in the SHuP WW-P program, making pillowcase bags for Ryan's Case for Smiles and other entertainment. The event will take place at the West Windsor Art's Council located at 952 Alexander Road, West Windsor, NJ. Registration at Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/mlk-day-of-servicefood-and-clothing-drive-tickets-53533997628 or online for a timeslot at: www.westwindsorarts.org or show up on the Monday, January 21st 10 am to 2 pm.

A Day of Service in Nature, Friends of Princeton Open Space

9:00 AM

Mountain Lakes House | 57 Mountain Ave, Princeton

In honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr, on Monday, January 20, we are hosting a Day of Service in Nature. Help us continue our work on a Forest Restoration Project at the Billy Johnson Mountain Lakes Nature Preserve in Princeton, New Jersey.

We recommend wearing long sleeves, long pants, and good work boots and to layer up depending on the temperature. We will provide all of the necessary tools including work gloves, loppers, saws, and pruners. However, feel free to bring your own tools, if you prefer.

All ages welcome -- children under 16 must be accompanied by a parent.  Register here https://www.eventbrite.com/e/mlk-day-of-service-in-nature-tickets-88961485197

Third Annual MLK Day of Service, Hopewell Gives Back

9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Hopewell Presbyterian Church 80 West Broad Street, Hopewell

The 2020 MLK Day of Service invites volunteers of all ages will help 5 local nonprofits: Sourland Conservancy, I Support the Girls Central/South Jersey, Mercer Street Friends, Rescue Mission of Trenton, and Seeds to Sew. Spend the morning baking, making fleece blankets, seed bombs and more! Donations of gently used sneakers and winter coats are greatly appreciated. This event is free and open to the public.

$5 suggested donation at the door to help cover expenses. Advance registration is required www.tiny.cc/MLK2020

Celebrate the Life & Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, Arts Council of Princeton

9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

102 Witherspoon Street, Princeton

Join the Arts Council of Princeton on Monday, January 20, from 9am-12pm to celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with hands-on art and history activities, music, and discussions as they relate to Dr. King's life, teachings, and civic engagement. The morning begins at 9am with a free community breakfast featuring speakers Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman and Ruha Benjamin, author and Associate Professor of African American Studies at Princeton University. Join the Arts Council of Princeton as we celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with a day of interactive workshops, music, and discussions as they relate to Dr. King’s life, teachings, and civic engagement.

The event will also include art and history activities, a canned food drive, storytime with JaZams, and  a Gospel Performance.

This free community event is held in collaboration with Princeton University, the Paul Robeson House,  jaZams, Princeton Family YMCA, the Historical Society of Princeton, and the Bayard Rustin Center for Social Justice.

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