Jersey Cares | Martin Luther King Day of Service

Monday, January 19, 2026

The Jersey Cares Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service engages people across the state to embody Dr. King's vision and bring people of all ages and backgrounds together, strengthening their communities and building a stronger New Jersey. Volunteers across the state will come together to honor Dr. King's legacy through a variety of projects.

Coat Sorting

All Coat Sorting opportunities have been cancelled due to the predicted inclement weather. Jersey Cares will be working with our partner agencies to distribute before the storm hits. Thank you for your understanding!

Virtual Project Options

Virtual Cards for Seniors: Volunteers will create electronic cards including pictures and inspirational quotes for seniors at Meals on Wheels of Ocean County.

Registration for this project is FREE.
This project is appropriate for ages 4-17 and their families, although anyone is welcome to join.
This project will take place from 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Registration for this project is now closed.

Virtual Cards for Military Members: Volunteers will create electronic cards including pictures and inspirational quotes for service men and women through New Jersey Veterans Network.

Registration for this project is FREE.
This project is appropriate for ages 4-17 and their families, although anyone is welcome to join.
This project will take place from 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Registration for this project is now closed.

In-Person Project Options

"I Have A Dream" Walk: Volunteers will come together in solidarity to support the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and social justice causes by walking 2 miles or running a 5k. 50% of all funds raised for this project support New Jersey Institute for Social Justice.

Registration for this project is FREE.
This event is appropriate for ages 4+.
This event will take place from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Registration for this project is now closed.

Morning Kit Assembly in Parsippany: Volunteers will create After School All-Star Kits to support children from After School All Stars to help students unwind, stay engaged, and feel encouraged at the end of the school day. Volunteers will contribute to both the creative elements and the assembly of each kit.

Registration for this project is FREE.
This event is appropriate for ages 4+.
This event will take place from 9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Registration for this project is now closed.

Afternoon Kit Assembly in Parsippany: Volunteers will create Foster Care Champion Kits to support children and youth in foster care through Embrella to provide comfort, distraction, and emotional support during transition periods. Volunteers will contribute to both the creative elements and the assembly of each kit.

Registration for this project is FREE.
This event is appropriate for ages 4+.
This event will take place from 12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Registration for this project is now closed.

Morning Kit Assembly in Princeton: Volunteers will create Empower Her Kits to support girls at Girls Live Love Laugh to promote confidence, creativity, and empowerment. Volunteers will contribute to both the creative elements and the assembly of each kit.

Registration for this project is FREE.
This event is appropriate for ages 4+.
This event will take place from 9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Registration for this project is now closed.

Afternoon Kit Assembly in Princeton: Volunteers will create Mindful Moments Kits for clients of Legacy Treatment Services to promote positive mental health and self-care. Volunteers will contribute to both the creative elements and the assembly of each kit.

Registration for this project is FREE.
This event is appropriate for ages 4+.
This event will take place from 12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Registration for this project is now closed.

Morning Kit Assembly in Woodbridge: Volunteers will create Chemo Care Kits to support adult patients undergoing chemotherapy at Rutgers Cancer Institute to offer comfort and encouragement during treatment. Volunteers will contribute to both the creative elements and the assembly of each kit.

Registration for this project is FREE.
This event is appropriate for ages 4+.
This event will take place from 9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Registration for this project is now closed.

Afternoon Kit Assembly in Woodbridge: Volunteers will create Hospital Helper Kits to support children in the hospital to provide comfort, distraction, and a little brightness during their hospital stay. Volunteers will contribute to both the creative elements and the assembly of each kit.

Registration for this project is FREE.
This event is appropriate for ages 4+.
This event will take place from 12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Registration for this project is now closed.

SWAG AND SUPPORT

Head over to our online store to make a donation supporting Jersey Cares and receive MLK Day of Service apparel as a thank you!

To make a donation and check out other Jersey Cares accessories, please click HERE.

Thank You To Our Sponsors