2025 MLK Day Off Activities, 20 Camps and Ways to Serve

Why is Martin Luther King Jr. Day also called the National Day of Service? On this day, we “honor Dr. King’s legacy through service projects while addressing pressing community needs. Congress designated the holiday as a national day of service.” -AmeriCorps.

Many of our local communities are involved with projects on this National Day of Service. Chicago North Shore Moms has compiled a list of additional ways to serve on MLK Day and any day. Here they are in no particular order:

This post is supported by Anna P. Krolikowska Attorney at Law.

Ways to Serve / Events:

Build and send care packages to our troops! For The Troops makes it easy with their Amazon Wish List.

Get involved with various community service projects to help local residents in need with Families Helping Families Chicagoland. Visit their Facebook page for calls to action.

Search various volunteer events in the city of Chicago with JUF’s Tov program. Tikkun Olam.

Visit The National Civil Rights Museum presents King Day: A Virtual Celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s 95th Birthday.

JANUARY 18, 12PM
Fleetwood-Jourdain Theatre Hosts Annual MLK Celebration
Enjoy community performances by Alexis Harris-Dyer *MC, MC4, Ayodele Drum & Dance, Mikki Shavers & Natalie Frakes, Marsae Mitchell, and Qiana McNary at this event titled “The Black Women’s Legacy in the Movement.”

JANUARY 19, 3PM
Music Institute of Chicago Hosts Free Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Join MIC and Evanston Interfaith Clergy and Leaders for the annual tribute to the historic American leader featuring performances by Music Institute students and community partners. Free but please reserve tickets here.

January 20, 10AM
MLK, Jr Festival: Let’s Dream Together with Insight Advocacy
Insight Advocacy and Wayfarer Theaters present the inaugural MLK, Jr. Festival: Let’s Dream Together. In Honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. ‘s Legacy, we invite the community to join us in a FREE celebration of Peace and Unity on Monday, January 20th 2025.

January 20, 9AM
g2’s MLK Day (Make Leaders out of Kids) with Kingswood United Methodist Church: Buffalo Grove
School’s out, service is in! Let a day off be an opportunity for your future leader to engage. Various stations with age-appropriate learning and service opportunities will be set up for your child in a meaningful way in honor of MLK.

January 20, 10AM
MLK Day of Service with Fill a Heart 4 Kids
Thank you for wanting to volunteer at Fill a Heart 4 Kids Day of Service! Inspiring Guest Speakers, Movie Screening, 8 Activity Fulfillment Stations ~ benefiting homeless children. Martin Luther King Art Session MLK Bingo. $5 per Person. (Snacks, sandwiches & beverages sold separately.) Honoring the Dream & Making a Difference Together!