Even though Monday brings a day off for students and workers alike, many people will choose to celebrate a “day on” in honor of civil rights activist Martin Luther King Jr. Here are some ways you can give back on this day of service.
Rutgers University-Camden
326 Penn Street, Camden
856-225-6995
Rutgers University-Camden will offer a number of volunteer opportunities with local organizations. Registration and a light breakfast begins at 8 am, and volunteers will depart on provided buses to their specific program at 9 am. Programs include working with Cathedral Kitchen, the Food Bank of South Jersey and UrbanPromise. Organizers will also be collecting food, toiletries and personal item donations. A list of suggested items is available here.
Volunteer Center Burlington County
5 Pioneer Boulevard, Westampton
609-267-9660
Bring your extra canned goods, dry dog food and Tastykakes to the Burlington County Library Main Branch between 11 am and 3 pm this Monday. Organizers will be accepting donations for the Oaks Integrated Food Pantry, the Burlington County Animal Shelter and Operation Yellow Ribbon’s South Jersey Collection. Lists of suggested items for each organization can be found here. Stick around to make a card or two for care facility residents in Burlington County.
Stockton University
Through Stockton University, volunteers can choose from dozens of organizations to work with on the day of service. Organizations include the Atlantic City Rescue Mission, the Covenant House and the Noyes Museum of Art. The program begins at 8 am, but locations vary by organization. Check the website for starting points.
Jersey Cares
2 North Dudley Street, Camden
856-963-6490
As a part of Jersey Cares’ MLK Day of Service, volunteers are invited to the Boys & Girls Club of Camden County to help paint window murals from 9 am to noon. Participants can also organize classrooms and create indoor hopscotch mats for children. Space is limited, so register today.
Gloucester Township
875 Erial Road, Blackwood
856-228-4000
Several programs around Gloucester Township are being offered for volunteers who want to give back. Participants will start the day at Charles W. Lewis Middle School for registration and breakfast at 8:30 am. After a short program, volunteers depart for service activities at 10. Volunteers can help make PB&Js with the Neighborhood Center, design cards with Relay for Life or choose from one of the many other opportunities available.
Cherry Hill Township
100 Bortons Mill Road, Cherry Hill
856-488-7868
Drop off extra cases of water, diapers, children’s coats and other donations at the Croft Farm Art Center until 9:30 am on January 16. Some volunteer opportunities will be offered on Monday as well. Call 856-488-7868 to participate.
