“Everybody can be great…because anybody can serve. You don’t have to have a college degree to serve. You don’t have to make your subject and verb agree to serve. You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love,” – Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
On January 19, 2026, communities across the United States will honor the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. On this day, individuals from all walks of life come together to serve their neighborhoods.
Founded in Philadelphia in 1996, the MLK Day of Service is the oldest and largest event of its kind in the country, honoring the legacy of the civil rights leader.
What started with 1,000 volunteers has grown into something big with hundreds of thousands of volunteers across the country. Today, years after MLK’s death, dozens of community activities are planned in his honor.
This year, the Greater Philadelphia Martin Luther King Day of Service theme will be the commitment to civil rights through equity and education.
King Jr. lived his life serving others. Following his example, millions of Americans serve on Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service. Whether it’s a small or big act of kindness, service has the power to unite people, build bridges, and heal divides.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. famously asked, “What are you doing for others?” In that spirit, we’ve curated a list of events and volunteer opportunities across Philadelphia that offer meaningful ways to serve and to do work that would make King proud.
Photo source: Facebook/ilovethyhood
Building Book Arks
For the first time in more than fifteen years, Temple University will serve as the host for the 31st annual Greater Philadelphia Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service’s regional signature project on January 19, 2026. Temple celebrates the legacy of MLK with a variety of events and volunteer opportunities across the Main Campus. One of such activities is assembling “book arks.”
Take advantage of this opportunity to do something meaningful to honor Dr. King’s legacy by joining other volunteers who will be taking part in this project at Temple.
Volunteers will assemble “book arks,” self-standing structures resembling newspaper “honor boxes” that will offer free books to individuals and organizations in local communities. At the conclusion of the project, the “book arks” will be transported directly to their new homes.
Where: McGonigle Hall
Date: Monday, January 19
Time: 11 am
Fairmount Park Conservancy Events at Fairmount and FDR Parks
Are you looking for a service project on MLK Day? You can join Fairmount Park Conservancy for a day of giving back.
The Fairmount Park Conservancy will lead volunteers at two events: one at FDR Park and one in West Fairmount Park.
At FDR Park, volunteers will work together to remove invasive species and litter around the park’s Meadow Lake in preparation for Spring 2026 plantings of native trees and shrubs, which will support local wildlife and strengthen the park’s ecosystem. This volunteer event is open to all ages and abilities, and no experience is necessary.
In West Fairmount Park, volunteers will help remove invasive species and pick up trash at Parkside Evans Playground. Depending on volunteer turnout, volunteers may be split into smaller groups to work at nearby locations like the Parkside Tunnel and the steps to the Mann area.
Tools, supplies, and materials for the workday will be provided. Those interested may register to volunteer at FDR Park or register to volunteer at West Fairmount Park online.
Where: FDR Park’s Meadow Lake, Pattison Ave. and South Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19145
West Fairmount Park, Parkside Evans Playground, 5300 Parkside Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19131
Date: Monday, January 19
Time: 9 am – 12 pm
Plenty of free parking is available in the park.
Photo source: Instagram/myphillypark
Global Citizen Annual Greater Philadelphia Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service
You can also join Global Citizen for the 31st annual Greater Philadelphia Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service at their Signature Site event. This will feature hands-on service projects, a health fair, workshops, a job fair, and a children’s carnival of activities. This event is entirely open to the public.
Where: Pearson/McGonigle Hall
Date: Monday, January 19
Time: Between 8 am and 1 pm
Sanctuary Farm Phila Event in North Philly
What better way to honor King’s dream than planting seeds for nourishment, community, and compassion? Sanctuary Farm Phila will host a community planting day in North Philadelphia.
Volunteers will plant seeds for gardening, and there will be painting activities for children. All materials will be provided. Those interested in participating may register to volunteer online.
Where: 1909 N 24th and Berks, Philadelphia, PA 19121
Date: Monday, January 19
Time: 12 pm to 4 pm.
Photo source: Facebook/ The Philadelphia Orchestra
The Philadelphia Orchestra’s MLK Tribute Concert
After a day of volunteering, you can have a moment to sit back and enjoy an afternoon of music and inspiration honoring Dr. King’s vision of equality, unity, and hope, and his belief in the power of music to effect change.
Join The Philadelphia Orchestra for their annual Martin Luther King, Jr., Tribute Concert! This powerful event blends the traditions of Black culture with beautiful music.
The concert opens with “Lift Every Voice and Sing” by James Weldon Johnson and John Rosamund Johnson, long acknowledged as the “Black National Anthem.”
The concert is free, but tickets are required. You’ll need to reserve general admission tickets for entry into the performance. This is offered on a first-come, first-served basis and is not guaranteed.
Where: Marian Anderson Hall, 300 S. Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA
Date: Monday, January 19
Time: 3 pm
