Service Opportunities and Performance Honor the Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Online Press Release Here

GAITHERSBURG, Md. (January 10, 2024) The City of Gaithersburg celebrates and honors the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by encouraging residents to give back to their community during a Day of Service on Monday, January 15, 2023. Please note that most City offices and facilities are closed on January 15 in observance of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Learn more here.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. dedicated his life to the advancement of the fundamental principles of freedom, opportunity, and equal justice for all and promoted nonviolence and compassion. His leadership and vision continue to inspire millions of Americans who strive toward his dream of civil equality. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day honors his legacy and provides an opportunity for reflection and action in keeping with his determination to eliminate discrimination and break down barriers to access and participation.

Day of Service Activities and Programs:

Food Drive – January 1 - 31

City of Gaithersburg Youth and Community Services are hosting a food drive throughout the month of January in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Food collected will be donated to City partners, including Gaithersburg HELP, Manna Food Center, and Seneca Creek Community Church. Suggested donation items and drop off locations can be found here.

Childhood Hunger Advocacy Round Table and Proclamation

Join the City and Manna Food Center's Advocacy Task Force to honor the legacy of Dr. King and come together in service, conversation, and activities on Monday, January 15 from noon to 2 p.m. at the Robertson Park Youth Center. The event will consist of a Breaking Bread meal prepared by members of the Gaithersburg Youth Center and an advocacy roundtable to discuss ending childhood hunger in the community.

During this event, Mayor Jud Ashman will present an official proclamation recognizing Dr. King and encouraging participation in service projects and advocacy opportunities that strengthen our community and foster a spirit of equality and inclusiveness. The proclamation supports the King Center’s 2024 call for “the urgency of creating the Beloved Community.” Food items will also be collected for the Food Drive noted above. Space is limited. Register for this free event here.

Day of Service Performance

The Metropolitan Ballet Theatre and Academy presents Day of Service on Monday, January 15 at 11 a.m. at the Arts Barn. Be inspired by Dr. King's words through the art of dance. This contemporary ballet performance features an interactive portion that is optional for young dancers in the audience to participate in. Tickets are $10, $8 for youth ages 10 and under. This program is appropriate for all ages. Purchase tickets here.

Explore Gaithersburg: Trail Mapping Project and Park Cleanups in Olde Towne

The Gaithersburg Parks, Arts and Recreation Corporation (G-PARC) is seeking volunteers to help map trails and/or pick up trash at three City parks on Monday, January 15 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Join G-PARC for a Day of Service and pick up trash along the trails of Griffith Park, History Park, and Olde Towne Plaza. Trash bags, pickup sticks, and gloves will be provided. Volunteers will also map the trails with their cell phone in and between Griffith and History Parks and Olde Towne Plaza. Registration information and volunteer form can be found here.

Montgomery County Day of Service

Montgomery County hosts a Day of Service on January 15 from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. at the Bethesda North Marriott Conference Center. Celebrate the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. with a day of service and community engagement. The event includes various service projects and a volunteer resource fair in honor of Dr. King’s teachings and work towards creating a more inclusive and equitable society. Learn more and register here.

Gaithersburg Youth Services

In celebration of Martin Luther King Day, Gaithersburg Youth Center members will create MLK Dream Boards and Amazing Afternoons members will create I Have a Dream paintings. The Gaithersburg Student Union is supporting the Childhood Hunger Advocacy Round Table event and the Food Drive in various capacities, including creating a short video in honor of MLK Day of Service that will focus on childhood hunger.