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Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Day of Service 2026

January 19

Day of Service

MONDAY, JANUARY 19

On Monday, January 19, the Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday, YMCAs throughout Snohomish County will proudly host “Make It a Day ON, Not a Day OFF”—an inspiring day of service that honors Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s spirit of servant leadership and commitment to community.

The Y is dedicated to turning this day into one of action, reflection, and impact. Across the county, we will mobilize hundreds of volunteers, bringing together individuals, families, and community partners to give back through the YMCA MLK Day of Service. These meaningful projects are identified and facilitated by Y staff, civic leaders, and passionate community volunteers who share the goal of building stronger, more connected neighborhoods.

Each of our YMCA locations will host unique local service projects designed to make a tangible difference in the communities we serve. There will be opportunities for volunteers of all ages and abilities to get involved.

This day is more than just a volunteer opportunity—it’s a chance to honor Dr. King’s legacy by taking action, coming together as a community, and living out the values of service, compassion, and equity.

 Let’s honor Dr. King’s vision and make a difference together!

2026 Branch Projects

Care Package & Community Cleanup

What: Join us in spreading kindness to local seniors and people with diverse abilities by creating care packages and handmade cards, then delivering them in our community.

We will also be cleaning up an area in our community around the YMCA.

When:

  • 9-9:30 am: Meet at the Y for an overview, light snacks and coffee.  Put together care packages together and start cleanup project.
  • 9:30-10:30 am: Delivery of care packages to Bakerview Apartments.

Participants are welcome to join for one portion or stay for the entire event.

Senior Care Package & Community Visit

What: Join us in spreading kindness to local seniors by creating care packages and handmade cards, then delivering them to senior centers in our community. Participants will also have the opportunity to visit with seniors and help brighten their day.

When:

10–11 am: Meet at the Y for light snacks, card making, and assembling care packages

11 am–12 pm: Walk to and visit Grandview Village to deliver care packages

12–2 pm: Deliver care packages and visit seniors at Fieldstone and other local senior centers (as available)

Participants are welcome to join for one portion or stay for the entire event.

Hope Creek Food Bank

What: Join us for the MLK Day of Service as we honor Dr. King’s vision of unity and action. Volunteers will take part in meaningful activities such as sorting and organizing fresh produce, restocking and arranging non-perishable food items, and preparing food deliveries for households unable to visit the food bank. From ensuring access to essentials to spreading hope through service, there’s a task for everyone to make a difference.

Time: 10 am-12 pm

Location: Meet at the Hope Creek Food Bank
(4326 148th Street SE, Mill Creek WA 98012)

MLK Day of Service – Care Packages for Regency Care Center

In honor of MLK Day of Service, the Monroe Y is giving back by creating care packages for residents of Regency Care Center at Monroe. Regency is home to 80 residents, and our goal is to assemble 80 thoughtful care packages filled with comfort items to brighten their day. Everyone is welcome—bring friends and family to help serve our local seniors.

When:
9-11:30 am:  Care package assembly at the Monroe Y
11:30 am: Light lunch served following volunteer work

How to Get Involved:

  • Donate items (list below)
  • Volunteer during the event to help set up and assemble care packages in an assembly-style process

To learn more about Regency Care Center, visit: https://www.regency-pacific.com

Together, let’s turn service into action and show our community the power of giving back.

Donation Items:

  • Socks
  • Lip balm
  • Puzzle books
  • (No glass) Mug/hot chocolate
  • Greeting cards
  • Herbal tea
  • Snacks
  • Body wash
  • Hair brush
  • Mini tooth paste
  • Tooth brush
  • Coloring book
  • Coloring pens/pencils
  • Hand lotion
  • Mini silk plant
  • Small water bottle
  • Sleeping mask
  • Small bottle of water
  • Small hand sanitizer
  • Hand warmers
  • Air/Draw fresheners

Donated items may be dropped off at the Monroe Y.

Stuff a Bus for Packs for Kids

What: Support local students and families by helping us fill the YMCA bus with food and essential items for Packs for Kids. Your donations help ensure kids in our community have reliable access to nutritious food and basic necessities.

When:

  • Saturday, January 17 from 10 am–1 pm: Visit the YMCA bus at QFC to donate items and help us “stuff the bus.”
  • Monday, January 19:  Donated items will be unpacked and delivered to Packs for Kids, with YMCA staff and volunteers supporting the process. Additional details coming soon.

QFC location: 11700 Mukilteo Speedway 

Join us for a day of service as we come together to give back to our community through hands-on volunteer projects. Volunteers will support local parks and community spaces with cleanup, restoration, and maintenance efforts. This is a great opportunity to connect, make an impact, and see the difference a few hours of service can make.

Day at a Glance

  • 8 am-light breakfast provided, quick check-in and brief of the day
  • 8:30 am-load bus/busses to go to Cama Beach
  • 9 am-Bus/walk over to Church Creek Park
  • 9:30 am-load bus/busses and go to Warm beach
  • 2 pm-load bus/busses and return to branch
  • 2:30 pm-group photo at the Y
  • 2:35 pm-Lunch

Service Project List

1. Church Creek Park

  • Projects: Park Cleanup & Mural Repainting 10 am-2 pm (Individual volunteer app required/group app)
  • Supplies needed: Warm Clothes & Gloves

2. Cama Beach Historical State Park: Garden & Grounds Care

  • Projects: Weeding out historic flower beds from 9 am-12 pm; no volunteer app needed (group app completed)
  • Supplies needed: Warm clothes, gloves
  • Additional info: No restrooms on the beach, anticipating 25 volunteers

3. Warm Beach Camp: Grounds & Facility Support

  • Projects: Grounds cleanup, wood stacking, picking up Christmas lights/cleaning Lights of Christmas displays from 10 am-2 pm
  • Supplies needed: Warm clothes, gloves

Winter Weather Impact Cleanup

What: Clean up downed trees and branches in the heritage forest

Location: YMCA Camp Casey (Meet up at Archery Range)

Time: 9-Noon