The Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service is Monday, January 19, and calls Americans to honor Dr. King and his legacy through service. Together, we step up to make our communities more equitable and create the Beloved Community of Dr. King’s dream. We have the power to bring communities together, help others stand together against hate, build bridges, and heal divides through service on this day and well into the future.
How will you honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s legacy on MLK Day? Learn about Martin Luther King and his legacy. Explore and educate yourself about ways to address inequity, foster inclusion, and improve access. Elevate local community leaders by supporting local Black-owned businesses and organizations. Engage by volunteering – join a community cleanup, mentor a young person, or serve food at a community kitchen. Any act of service, big or small, can help the nation unite and break down barriers.
MLK DAY OF SERVICE EVENTS:
Kansas City, Kansas MLK Celebration: 46th Annual Kansas City, Kansas | MLK Holiday Celebration | Memorial Hall | Monday, January 19th | Pre-Service 10:30AM, Main Service at 11:00.
City Year KC MLK Day of Service: Monday, January 19 | 8 am – 2 pm | City Year commemorates the Civil Rights Movement and honors the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. by celebrating Dr. King’s birthday as a “day on, not a day off”. City Year Kansas City has created transformational service projects at various schools and community centers (many associated with Kansas City Public Schools) to reconnect, uplift, and inspire the community. Join us for a full-day physical service event. Volunteers gather to paint inspirational murals throughout the building, creating a positive learning environment. RSVP required.
Giving Hope & Help MLK Day of Service: Monday, January 19 | 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM | Southeast Community Center, 201 E. 63rd Street, Kansas City, MO. Be a part of the Menstrual Movement to end period poverty at this impactful and purpose-filled period packing party. Sign up your family, friends, and coworkers to serve alongside Giving Hope & Help and our community partner, the Southeast Community Center.Register here
Martin Luther King Jr Day Free Legal Clinic: January 19th, 10 am – 1 pm, 300 E 39th Street, KC MO 64111 | Literacy KC and the Volunteer Attorney Project have come together to serve in honor of Dr. King by sponsoring the MLK Day Legal Clinic. Participants are asked to register in advance to receive legal advice provided by pro bono attorneys through the Volunteer Attorney Project. To register, please contact Maura Weber at 816-627-2250.
Volunteer with Harvesters on MLK Day: Sign-up now open: Honor Dr. King’s Legacy Through Service — Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. dedicated his life to serving others. On Monday, January 19, 2026, millions of Americans will follow his example by participating in the Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service. Volunteers help sort and repack food, enabling Harvesters to feed more than 226,000 people each month.
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Nature Walk: Nature Walk 2026 – January 19th, 2026, 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM | Each year since 2015, KC Parks and the Heartland Conservation Alliance have invited the Kansas City community for the MLK Jr. Nature Walk along Brush Creek, focused on environmental justice. This year, the walk will be preceded by a keynote speaker at the Bruce R. Watkins Cultural Center. The event encourages listening, reflection, and honoring the powerful words of Dr. King.
2026 Celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service Cleaver Family YMCA: January 19, 2026. Sign up to celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. Day with a Morning of Service and Community Impact! Join YMCA on Monday, January 19th, anytime between 9:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m., for a morning dedicated to service and unity in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
2026 Olathe Family YMCA – Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service: January 19, 2026 – 10 am-12 pm | Sign up to join the Olathe Family YMCA for Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service. This will be a morning dedicated to turning compassion into action and honoring Dr. King’s legacy through service. Volunteers will work together on hands-on service projects that directly support individuals and families in our community. Activities include creating PLARN (plastic yarn) mats for the Starfish Project, which provide warmth, comfort, and dignity to individuals experiencing homelessness, and assembling care and supply kits for vital community organizations.
Mid-America Nazarene University’s 20th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Community Celebration: Tuesday, January 20th, 9:30 AM | College Church of the Nazarene. MNU honors the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. during our Gathering Chapel at College Church of the Nazarene in Olathe. Join MNU students, faculty, staff, and community leaders at this event. Each year, MNU presents its Martin Luther King, Jr. Living Legacy Award to an individual who represents the values of Dr. King’s legacy. In addition, diversity activities at MNU are highlighted.