While many see Martin Luther King Jr. Day as a day off, we see it as a "day on." It's an opportunity to start your year in the spirit of volunteerism and service, continuing the legacy of Dr. King, who spent his life working to better the lives of others.
CELEBRATION OF SERVICE
Inspired by Martin Luther King Jr., who believed in service to others and the community, United Way of Northern New Jersey is committed to inspiring others to mobilize in support of ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) families and the entire community.
Each year on MLK Day, United Way of Northern New Jersey helps to celebrate this special day by encouraging people to take action to become involved in the community and help others through efforts large and small. We encourage people to share their special gifts, their time and their resources to inspire others, use their voice for good and to help in their community through volunteer service.
Learn more: Martin Luther King Jr. Day
WAYS YOU CAN GET INVOLVED ON JAN. 19, 2026 FOR A DAY ON, NOT A DAY OFF
VOLUNTEER
Visit United Way of Northern New Jersey's Get Connected platform to find volunteering opportunities on Martin Luther King Jr. Day and any day of the year! Additional, please check out other partner platforms:
* Points of Light's Engage platform to find MLK Day volunteer opportunities in your community. You can also create your own project using one the POL DIY toolkits.
* Idealist - MLK Day of Service Listing
FOCUS ON FOOD
Inspired by Dr. King's practice of bringing diverse people together over food to discuss injustices of the day and create a plan for action, food was a key tool to not only bridge difference, but to nourish the soul. Many in our community are affected by food insecurity and MLK Day offers a great opportunity to help people who are hungry. Check out our Foodstock Program for ways to take action, support local food pantries and help reduce hunger in our community.
GET KIDS INVOLVED
Volunteering as a family is a special opportunity to bond, create memories and help others. Include kids in your MLK Day service plans. Volunteer together and use this time to lead by example around what MLK's legacy means for the United States today.
VOLUNTEER WITH WORK COLLEAGUES
The Martin Luther King Jr. Day can be the day to kick off a Year of Service with your work colleagues. United Way of Northern New Jersey offers year-round volunteer opportunities for team of all sizes. Check out options via our Corporate Social Responsibility listing.
HONOR A VOLUNTEER
United Way of Northern New Jersey will recognize youth and adult volunteers this coming April with the ACTION FOR ALICE Volunteer Service Awards. Look for more information on these awards in February. Additionally, you can also nominate a deserving volunteer for the Daily Point of Light Award.
As the first national day of service in 2026, let MLK Day be your start to a year-long commitment to service. Leading a life of volunteerism has been shown to have benefits not only to the community, but also to the volunteer. And there are so many opportunities to get involved.
Join us on MLK Day to jumpstart a year of volunteerism and service to make our communities, and the world, a better place for all.
