Highlights from MLK Day of Service 2025

MLK Day of Service: Monday January 20, 2025
Posted by Teddy Byrne
Tags:Parish News, Youth and Young Adult Ministries

The Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministries collaborated with organizations across the Diocese of Long Island to host the annual MLK Day of Service. Over the course of the weekend, the legacy of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was honored by bringing communities together in acts of service and solidarity. Participants joined in a variety of impactful projects and initiatives designed to make a difference in the lives of others and inspire a spirit of unity and compassion. 


Here are some highlights:

Community Kitchen at the Cathedral of the Incarnation 

On Sunday, the Cathedral of the Incarnation community gathered to honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. 

As part of the MLK Day of Service, the Cathedral’s “Community Kitchen” opened at the Mercer School of Theology, where participants from the Fellowship in Faith program and the Dean’s Forum came together to prepare a warm meal for individuals supported by the Neighbors Being Neighbors ministry. 

The service provided through the Community Kitchen highlighted the Cathedral’s dedication to embodying the principles of love and justice that Dr. King championed, bringing his vision of the Beloved Community to life through meaningful action. 

Volunteers pack pre-school resource kits at the Gural GCC

Trinity-St. John and Gural JCC

Trinity-St. John’s, Hewlett, and Gural JCC teamed up for a special MLK Day of Service to honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Participants began by learning about Dr. King’s remarkable contributions and vision for social justice, reflecting on how communities can work together to achieve his dream. Following this, the group engaged in a meaningful service project, assembling Early Learner Family Resource Kits to support less fortunate preschoolers in the community. This initiative exemplified a shared commitment to Dr. King’s ideals of compassion, equity, and the creation of a Beloved Community.  

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Volunteers pack bags of food

St. Paul’s Patchogue

The Patchogue-Medford Library partnered with St. Paul’s Episcopal Church and the Patchogue Neighbors Soup Kitchen for a successful Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service. 35 volunteers of all ages came together to honor Dr. King’s legacy through service. 

The day began at 10:30 AM in the church with an introduction from Father James and Michele Cayea of Community Engagement. Miss Mary captivated the youngest attendees with a story about Martin Luther King Jr., setting an inspiring tone for the day. Volunteers then toured the campus, visiting the soup kitchen hall, food pantry, and thrift shop. 

Activities were tailored to volunteers of all ages. The youngest participants stayed in the church, decorating to-go bags, while older youth assisted in the food pantry and thrift shop. Adult volunteers worked in the soup kitchen, distributing meals to those in need. 

The day concluded with a heartfelt community meal shared around one table, fostering connection and unity. Legislator Thorne joined the gathering, offering encouraging words to participants. 

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P.E.A.C.E. Afterschool Clean Up Volunteers pose for a group photo in their green t-shirts

Cathedral of the Incarnation and P.E.A.C.E. Afterschool

The Cathedral of the Incarnation teamed up with P.E.A.C.E. Afterschool Program in Hempstead, for a special MLK Day of Youth Service on Monday January 20th. Participants honored Dr. King’s legacy by taking part in a project to tidy and organize the afterschool space and foster a clean, welcoming environment for students in the community. 

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Do you still want to get involved in a service project in honor of Dr. King?
This Friday January 24th at 4PM, St. John’s, Huntington will be hosting their monthly meal prep program, the Huntington Interfaith Homeless Initiative. For more information speak to the Rev. Zach Baker, Curate, at zbaker@stjohnshuntington.org.  

To learn more about Youth and Young Adult Ministry in the Diocese of Long Island, click here.