Volunteer on MLK Day of Service

Monday, Jan. 21 is Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

For some, the national holiday honoring the prominent civil rights activist is a time to give back and serve the community, be it through removing graffiti or picking up litter in a local park. For others, it’s an opportunity to educate themselves about King and his life's work. And for others, it’s a time to just kick back and enjoy the prolonged weekend.

Below are a list of volunteer opportunities in the greater Media and surrounding areas.

Do you know of a service opportunity for adults or children on Monday, Jan. 21? Tell us in the comments below this article.

First United Methodist Church Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday Celebration: Sunday, Jan. 20 at 4 p.m. the inter-faith celebration will include music and Rev. Warren Mays of Second Baptist Church of Media will speak. The event is hosted by the Media Area NAACP.

Springton Lake Middle School will hold its 8th Annual Martin Luther King Day of Service as part of the 18th Annual Greater Philadelphia King Day of Service. Students will organize donations to: Cradles to Crayons, Teens for Jeans, the SPCA and the Military Coupon Program. Students are also collecting food donations for the Media Food Bank, City Team Ministries and Aid for Friends and raising money by “Volley-teering” to support a local charity.

The school welcomes donations from the local community. If you are interested in donating items, please contact the school's main office at 610- 627-6514. Suggested donations include:

• Clothing for ages 9-12 years old including; new underwear, new socks, gently used shirts/sweats, gently used gloves, hats and shoes, gently used jeans
• Manufacturers Coupons, current and expired, no need to clip
• Toiletries: Toothpaste, brushes, floss, shampoo/conditioner, soap, deodorant, chapstick, body lotion, hand lotion/sanitizers; razors/shaving cream; baby wipes, wash, etc., travel or mini sizes welcome, towels; wash cloths, blankets
• Food – all non-perishables: Peanut butter/jelly, tuna, chicken, chili, pasta, rice, beans, canned vegetables, fruit, soup; cereal, crackers; baby formula/food, instant oatmeal/grains, granola and snack bars/bags, Fruit cups/raisin or dried fruit boxes; hot cocoa, instant coffee packs or tea bags.      

PathWays PA Food Drive: Donations will be accepted from now through Martin Luther King Day on Monday at PathWays PA’s main offices, located at 310 Amosland Road in Holmes. Drop off donations any time during standard business hours.

Libraries: Both the Media-Upper Providence Free Library and Middletown Free Library could use lending hands, physically, by shelving books and helping out with their programs and activities.

Senior Citizens Center: Bayada Hospice of Media is looking for volunteers to help families and people with advanced illnesses. Fair Acres Center, a long-term care facility, welcomes group or individual volunteers.

Animal Rescue Shelters/Adoption Agencies: The Delaware County SPCA is always in need of volunteers and foster or adoption homes. But if you don't have the spare time to play with some animals or aren't ready to adopt, you can always donate toys, food or other supplies they may need. Animal-loving volunteers would also be a great asset to these organizations, including the Animal Coalition of Delaware County in Newtown Square, P.A.L.S in Broomall organization, Luv-n-Bunns Rabbit rescue in Broomall.

Hospital: There are numerous ways to give at Riddle Memorial Hospital. Give a monetary donation, volunteer your time or even create a memorial or tribute gift in the name of a loved one.

Thrift Shops: At Riddle Thrift Shop, all proceeds benefit the hospital, so you can volunteer there while helping the sick at the same time.

Habitat for Humanity: Many volunteer opportunities are available including construction, office work, photography, special events, and more. Contact the volunteer coordinator by email to learn more.

Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation: Based in Wynnewood, Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation raises money for childhood cancer research through a number of large- and small-scale fundraising events each year. Volunteers can work special events, serve as Lemonade Day ambassadors, work in the ALSF office, or help with social media networking. Read the volunteer opportunities page on the ALSF website.