MLK Jr Day of Service
7th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service, January 17, 2022 - Online Event
We were excited to present this year's virtual event, including these members representing so many parts of our community, coming together to celebrate Dr Martin Luther King Jr:
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Berkeley Heights Diversity Council
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Governor Livingston HS Unfiltered
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Mayor Angie Devanney
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BH Police Chief Jason Massimino
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Dr Melissa Varley, Superintendent of Schools
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Tiffany Escott, Mission Advancement and Development Director of the Summit Area YMCA
2022 Event Recordings - Full Event Video & GL Unfiltered & Friends - Student Voices on Dr. Kings Life, Legacy & Influence
2022 Service Opportunities:
Honoring the Life and Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is a day on not a day off. To honor his life and legacy many people across the country use this day as an opportunity to give back to their community and live out his commitment to community. If you are looking for ways to give back to the community, check out the volunteer opportunities below.
Coat Drive
Sponsored by Summit Area YMCA, Berkeley Heights
In celebration of the life and legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. the Summit area YMCA will host our annual coat drive. We are accepting coats in all sizes for men, women and children to be donated for those in need.
We are accepting donations until 1pm on January 17. The coat donation box will be in the lobby of the BH YMCA (59 Locust Ave, BH)
Operation Gratitude
Overlook Auxiliary “Operation Gratitude”. We are accepting letters of encouragement and thanks to our OMC health care workers to show them that we care! We are accepting these letters from people of all ages, mailed between now and MLK Day of Service to: Overlook Auxiliary “Operation Gratitude”, 99 Beauvoir Ave, Summit, NJ, 07901. Drawings encouraged!
BHPD Food Drive
The Berkeley Heights Police Department is holding a Food Drive through February 1. They are accepting canned food and non-perishable items which can be dropped off inside of the lobby of Police Headquarters. For more details, email Sgt Chris Affinito (caffinito@bhpolice.org)
Supporting Military Families
Ages: All
Join SLF and the BH Diversity Council to honor Dr. King’s legacy and uplift our military community. Let's write a note to our military families.
Instructions:
Make cards and/or notes for service men and women, and the families they leave behind.
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Cards can be made out of construction paper, card stock, or be store bought stationery/note cards
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Please write 3-4 sentences and sign with your first name. Drawing pictures and adding cheerful stickers is welcome
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Deliver the completed cards to the box on the porch of 24 Snyder Avenue in Berkeley Heights
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Cards are due by Wednesday January 19
Example wording for the card:
Dear Friend,
I am writing this note to share with you some happiness. I appreciate you keeping the home of the brave safe and sound, I am grateful. What is the best part of being in a military family?
Thank you for the risks you take and the sacrifices you make.
(Maybe add a joke ie: What do you call a young army? An INFANTry!)
You make a difference in the world. Thank you for your hard work.
Silver Liming Foundation - Supporting Military Families Card Writing Program
Moms Helping Moms
Moms Helping Moms Foundation is completely out of baby hygiene products and almost out of formula. Consider helping them out by donating items from their Amazon Wish List, hosting a supply drive, or dropping off donations at their warehouse in Warren, NJ.
Most requested items are:
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baby wash & shampoo
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diaper cream
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baby lotion
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infant/children's toothbrushes
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toothpaste
2021 Event Recording - Watch The Event
On January 18, 2021, the BHDC hosted our 6th Annual celebration and opportunity to serve our community. We reflected on the impact of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on our society and heard from some of our own local volunteers. While we cannot join together to volunteer in person, below find a list of local volunteer opportunities. MLK Jr Day of Service is a "day ON", not a "day off", so we encourage everyone to find a way to make an impact. These opportunities remained available after the online community event.
The BHDC and the Berkeley Heights Community was thrilled to present our 6th Annual MLK Jr Day of Service as an online event. Please watch the recording to hear our community share how Dr King impacted and influenced their lives.
GL Unfiltered & GL Diversity Committee - Student Voices on Dr King's Life, Legacy & Influence
