Martin Luther King Jr. weekend is traditionally devoted to public service, and this year’s no different. Here are some ways to give back to the local community this weekend, including indoor and outdoor options. If you’re planning to be outside Monday, bundle up! It’s going to be chilly.
The DCJCC will be hosting a “Mitzvah Day” on Monday at its Northwest D.C. facility. The event, which is intended for ages 5+, has a registration fee to offset supplies.
Rock Creek Conservancy has all sorts of cleanup and invasive plant removal events around the city. While many are sold out, there’s still space at Park Road and Piney Branch Parkway NW, as well as Point Park in Crestwood, so be sure to sign up quick!
The National Park Service is hosting a non-native invasive plant removal at RFK Meadows on Saturday. Attendees should meet at the entrance of Kingman and Heritage Islands Park, and wear sturdy shoes, pants, and a long sleeve shirt.
The Friends of Mount Vernon Trail will also lead volunteers in invasive plant removal in Arlington on Monday. Specifically, attendees will work on removing vegetation around the Long Bridge Connector Trail to clean it up more.
Anacostia Riverkeeper & Pope Branch Park Restoration Alliance has two volunteer time slots on Monday for their annual river clean up, one at 10 a.m. and one at noon. Meet at Pope Branch Park. Supplies are provided, and the event will be rain or shine.
The Jewish Federation’s Women’s Philanthropy will gather at Bender JCC in Bethesda on Sunday to make glass vases and jars for hospice patients. Volunteers are encouraged to bring their own vases and jars. Registration closes Friday.
Bike and Walk Arlington will host a cleanup of the Washington & Old Dominion Trail on Monday. Volunteers should meet at the trail near the intersection of Columbia Pike and S. Walter Reed Drive. Throughout the morning they will make their way towards South George Mason Drive.
Ward 8 Woods Conservancy is cleaning up Shepherd Parkway on Saturday. The largest wooded area in Ward 8, the parkway is 197 acres and host to all sorts of rare and aquatic microorganisms.
Reston Community Center will host various public service projects at the Cathy Hudgins Community Center on Saturday. Volunteers indoors will sort and organize items from a nonprofit thrift store, and pack lunches for the community center. Weather permitting, volunteers will also have the opportunity to do outdoor projects, such as clean up the grounds around the center.
Food For Neighbors has a food collection and sorting event this Saturday at Crossroads UMC in Ashburn. The nonprofit provides local middle and high schools with meals for food-insecure students through their Red Bag program.
Washington Hebrew Congregation is taking clothing and food donations from 10 a.m. to noon on Monday at the D.C. temple and the Julia Bindeman Suburban Center in Potomac. People can also get involved with “Undies for Everyone” or the temple’s Hunger Project.
Prince George’s County Councilmember Wala Bleqay will be leading a public service event on Monday in Upper Marlboro. Volunteers are encouraged to donate socks, face masks, blankets, snacks, hats, gift cards, puzzles, toiletries, gloves, slippers, and more. All donations go to senior citizens at Largo Landing Fellowship House Those interested should register here.
Thursday Network is hosting their 24th annual day of service blanket and toiletry drive. On Monday, volunteers will meet at Ron Brown High School in Northeast D.C. to create care packages of blankets and other toiletries to be delivered to those in need in the region.
Frying Pan Farm Park in Herndon will have a family friendly event on Monday to teach children about Martin Luther King Jr. and why it is important to participate in community service. Attendees will also get the chance to do their own service project. Attendees much register for $8 online.
