Monday, January 20, 2025

The YMCA’s recognition of Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service is a powerful way to honor the legacy of Dr. King, a leader who dedicated his life to equity, justice, and community empowerment. This day aligns perfectly with the YMCA’s mission to strengthen communities and promote social responsibility, making it an ideal opportunity for members, staff, and volunteers to come together in service and reflection. 

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Why It’s Important

Honoring Dr. King’s Legacy: MLK Day is not just a day off—it’s a "day on" for action. By participating, the YMCA pays tribute to Dr. King’s vision of a unified and equitable society. 

Fostering Community Connection: Service projects unite diverse groups of people, fostering understanding, collaboration, and a sense of shared purpose. 

Advancing Social Equity: Through meaningful service, the YMCA reinforces its commitment to breaking down barriers and addressing inequities within the communities it serves. 

Inspiring Future Generations: By engaging youth and families in service, the YMCA encourages them to carry forward Dr. King’s values of leadership, advocacy, and compassion. 
 

Why It’s Exciting

Creating Tangible Impact: From community clean-ups to food drives, every service project contributes to building healthier, stronger, and more vibrant communities. 

Bringing People Together: MLK Day events provide a unique opportunity for YMCA members, employees, and local partners to connect and work toward a common goal. 

Showcasing YMCA Values: The day highlights the Y’s dedication to diversity, inclusion, and social responsibility, reinforcing its role as a community leader. 

Celebrating Progress: Recognizing this day is a chance to celebrate how far we’ve come while committing to the work still needed to achieve Dr. King’s dream. 
 

The YMCA’s involvement in MLK Day of Service is more than just an event—it’s a call to action that inspires hope, strengthens bonds, and drives positive change. By honoring this day, the YMCA underscores its dedication to building a world where everyone belongs and thrives. 
 

Coatesville YMCA

• Day of service projects, which include Coatesville Branch clean-up. 
• Brandy’s Resource Pantry will offer extended hours. 
• Community Outreach Project in Coatesville Community
   

Kennett Area YMCA

• Partnering with United Way of Southern Chester County collecting feminine hygiene products at the branch. 
• Montessori and Before and After School Care (BASE) will be doing an activity with a discussion of MLK and the purpose of service in their community.  
• Childwatch readers will be doing Storytime for Montessori and Childwatch. 

Our Jennersville and Kennett teams will be joining the: MLK Day Breakfast & MLK Volunteer Fair in Southern Chester County

Monday, January 20, 2025 from 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Lincoln University - Wellness Center
1570 Baltimore Pike
Lincoln University, PA 19352
 

Jennersville YMCA

• Our Jennersville team will be collecting canned foods to provide to local food shelters. 
• We are facilitating a teen workshop on leadership, conflict resolution, and advocacy skills inspired by the principles of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. 
• CELC and BASE are doing a “I have a Dream” project with MLK discussion, ending with the art display for families.  

Our Jennersville and Kennett teams will be joining the: MLK Day Breakfast & MLK Volunteer Fair in Southern Chester County

Monday, Janaury 20, 2025 from 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Lincoln University - Wellness Center
1570 Baltimore Pike
Lincoln University, PA 19352
 

Lionville Community YMCA

• Partnering with Justin Brown, Director of DEI for the Downingtown School District, our team will be working with the Black Student Union at both high schools! More details to come as we finalize the game plan for the day, which will include readings, community projects, activities and fun!
   

Octorara YMCA and Program Center

• Our students will be doing projects with MLK discussion and learning to be on display for all who visit the branch.
   

Oscar Lasko YMCA and Childcare Center

• The Oscar Lasko YMCA team will be putting together hygiene kits for the Safe Harbor and other homeless shelters.
• Our childcare students will be creating kindness rocks to be distributed in the borough of West Chester and creating cards for armed service members.
   

Upper Main Line YMCA

• Our YMCA Earth Service Corps will host a service project day on campus for middle school and high school students. 

West Chester Area YMCA

• Our West Chester Area YMCA team is collecting fleece blankets for children in foster care and holding a Diaper Drive in December, which will be delivered on MLK service day to organizations of need. 

Pre-Register for a Project