The Martin Luther King, Jr. National Day of Service is a federal holiday meant to empower individuals and communities towards services and his vision of a “beloved community.” In Westchester, there are many opportunities where you can volunteer as a family. Additionally, many local organizations are offering mini camps and events for kids where they can enjoy activities throughout the day. Read on to learn more about a variety of opportunities on MLK Jr. Day in Westchester.
MLK Jr. Weekend Volunteer Opportunities
Monday, January 16th from 9:30am-5:00pm
MLK Day of Service 2023
This January, UJA-Federation of NY and its nonprofit partners will bring together thousands of New Yorkers in a region-wide effort honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. They will have a number of volunteer opportunities for all ages, including the opportunity to decorate and pack “Blizzard Boxes”. These Blizzard Boxes contain the shelf stable makings of one complete meal — soup, veggies, fruit, milk, and a protein (all supplies will be provided). These boxes will then be donated to food pantries around Westchester and the Bronx. There will also be opportunities for adults and teens to help sort medical supplies rescued by The Afya Foundation. Shames JCC on the Hudson, 371 S. Broadway, Tarrytown, NY 10591.
Monday, January 16th from 10:00am-12:00pm
MLK Day 2023
Volunteer with the Afya Foundation to help sort through donated consumables, personal care, surgical, and humanitarian supplies. Sorted goods will be included in shipments to the Caribbean, Africa, and local health systems. Volunteers must be at least 16 years old or five years old with an adult to participate in this event. Yonkers, NY.
MLK Jr. Day Events and Activities in Westchester
Thursday, January 12th from 4:30pm-5:30pm
Handprint Dream Catcher Craft
Remember and celebrate the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by making a handprinted dream catcher craft. Free. Mount Kisco Library, 100 East Main Street, Mount Kisco, NY 10549.
Saturday, January 14th from 9:30am-12:00pm
The Legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr.
Enjoy this free, interactive workshop for kids ages 10 and up. Kids will learn about his legacy, meet spoken word artist Giovanni Green, and create their personal statement of power. Additionally, kids will create a community mural and leave inspired to engage in service to the world. Breakfast starts at 9:30am with the event kicking off at 10:00am. YWCA White Plains & Central Westchester, 515 North St 515 North Street White Plains, NY 10605.
Saturday, January 14th from 11:00am-12:00pm
Happy Birthday Dr. King! Storytime
Enjoy storytime at the Ossining Public Library with a book about Dr. Martin Luther King. Children ages six and under must be with an adult. Ossining Public Library, 53 Croton Avenue, Ossining, NY 10562.
Monday, January 16th at 9:00am
Nepperhan Community Center of Yonkers
The Nepperhan Community Center of Yonkers will host its annual breakfast in celebration of community residents who have emulated the life of Dr. King. For more information: contact Ms. Theresa Holloman at (914) 965-0203 or [email protected]. Nepperhan Community Center of Yonkers, 342 Warburton Ave, Yonkers, NY 10701.
Monday, January 16th from 10:00am-12:00pm
25th Annual MLK Day Legacy Youth Awards
Attend this annual MLK luncheon in recognition of students who have been nominated for displaying the excellent traits of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Scholarship awards will go to seven students. Tickets are $45 per person. DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Tarrytown, 455 South Broadway Tarrytown, NY 10591.
Monday, January 16th from 1:00pm-3:00pm
Beyond the Dream: Martin Luther King, Jr
Join Yorktown for Justice for an in-person discussion of MLK’s life, history and mission through his most powerful and unfamiliar works. Grace Lutheran Church
3830 Gomer Street, Yorktown Heights, NY 10598.
Monday, January 16th from 9:00am-3:00pm
Hartsdale MLK Jr. Day Camp: Robots & Science
Kids can enjoy a fun robot camp as a part of iCamp’s Robots and Science program. Designed for kids 5-10 years old, this mini camp will have your kiddo flexing their creative muscles as they use their strengths and develop new skills to program a robot and build circuits and structures. $165 per child. 142 N Central Ave, Floor 1, Hartsdale, NY 10530.
Monday, January 16th from 9:30am-12:00pm
Intro to Sewing Machine Workshop
Kids ages 8-13 will learn everything about sewing machines! Kids will learn to sew on the machine with an Introductory Felt Pouch and then they will make one of their beginner projects. All supplies are included! Sew Happy, 154 E Boston Post Rd, 2nd Floor, Mamaroneck, NY 10543.
Monday, January 16th from 10:00am-3:00pm
MLK Day of Non-Stop Activities
Kids, ages 4-11 years old, will love spending the day filled with art. Programming includes Slime Play to Tie-Dye t-shirts and drawing/illustration to creative painting and 3D Arts! Please provide lunch and a snack for your child. Camp is $175 per child. Honest Art, 708 Saw Mill River Rd, Ardsley, NY 10502.
Monday, January 16th from 1:00pm-4:00pm
MLK Volleyball Clinic
Kids in 3rd to 12th grade can hone in on their volleyball skills in this one-day clinic. Coaches will teach players how to improve their serving, passing, setting and all around game. Ardsley Middle School Gym, 700 Ashford Avenue, Ardsley, NY 10502.
Monday, January 16th from 1:30pm-3:00pm
MLK Day: Day of Service & Anti-Bullying Karate Class
Families can give back with a day of service projects organized in an outdoor heated tent. This includes toiletry packing, dog toy making for pups at SPCA, blanket making, and an Anti- Bullying Karate Class with Sprout Westchester. There will be two classes offered for Pre-K-3rd and 4th-8th. All participants have to register in advance. Young Judaea Sprout Westchester Day Camp, 500 Yorktown Road Croton- On- Hudson New York, 10520.
Monday, January 16th at 2:00pm
NYICFF Celebrating Black Stories
Enjoy watching several Black stories from a variety of films that share the joy, determination, resilience, and complexity of being Black and young. Explore a range of film genres and styles from around the world. Tickets: $11 (members), $16 (nonmembers), $9 (child). Jacob Burns Film Center, 364 Manville Rd, Pleasantville, NY 10570.