Here's How Burlington County Residents Can Help On MLK Day

Anthony Bellano
·3 min read

BURLINGTON COUNTY, NJ — Burlington County’s annual MLK Day Challenge will be a drop-off only event this year due to the coronavirus pandemic, according to the Volunteer Center of Burlington County.

It will take place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Jan. 18 at the Burlington County Library, 5 Pioneer Boulevard in Westampton.

The purpose of the challenge is to encourage Burlington County residents to participate in service projects to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy of tolerance, peace and equality.

In 1994, Congress passed the King Holiday and Service Act in honor of his legacy. Since then, the Corporation for National and Community Service, in collaboration with the Martin Luther King, Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change, has taken the lead in helping transform the King Holiday into a day of service to meet community needs.

Now, communities across the country honor King by making MLK Day a “day on, not a day off.” Some collections in Burlington County include:

  • Food Collection for the Oaks Integrated Food Pantry - Mount Holly serving Burlington County residents accepts food donations which include peanut butter and jelly, breakfast items such as oatmeal and cereal, kid friendly snacks such as granola bars, canned meat/fish, microwaveable foods such as Easy mac or Chef Boyardee, and canned fruits and vegetables.

  • Animal Supplies Collection for Burlington County Animal Shelter: Caring for our animals requires a lot of time, love, money, and supplies. Donating the following items help the shelter with the day-to-day care of our animals and support its operational needs: Frontline, canned dog food, HE laundry detergent, dry dog food, towels, blankets, sheets, dog treats, pillow cases, wash rags, dog toys (especially plastic/rubber), antibacterial hand soap/hand sanitizer, canned cat food, paper towels dry cat food, brooms, scrub bushes, cat toys (plastic), fabric softener sheets, cat litter (non-clumping), bleach and plug in room freshener.

  • Operation Yellow Ribbon of South Jersey Collection Operation Yellow Ribbon supports United States Military Forces serving in the Middle East including Iraq, Afghanistan, as well as those supporting Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Inherent Resolve. Items requested and appreciated include: Tasty Kakes, Protein/Energy Bars, Protein Powder, Girl Scout Cookies, 5 Hour Energy Drink Products, Mio Liquid Water Enhancer, Rice Crispy treats, Bagged tuna and chicken, chewing gum/hard candy, etc, Dry roasted peanuts/mixed nuts, Potato chips in cylinder or can, Dried fruit, Beef Jerky, Baby powder, Baby wipes, Visine or Saline eye drops, Chapstick, Crystal Light Drink Mix Individual Packets, Powdered drink mix (Gatorade, etc.), Puffs/Kleenex, Hand sanitizer, Puzzle or crossword books, Batteries (AA, AAA, C, D), Hand held electronic games: poker, bingo, etc., Foot powder, Sunscreen, Skittles, Swedish Fish ,Twizzlers, Breakfast Bars, Slim Jim's • Ground Coffee • Tea • Pumpkin Seeds Sunflower Seeds. Specialty Items for Women include: Shampoo & Conditioner, Moisturizing Bath Soap, Ladies Deodorant, Body Lotion• Emery Boards, Small Hand Mirrors, Shower Sponges/Loofahs, Body Wash, Q-Tips, Ladies hygiene products

  • Greeting Card Making — Make greeting cards for residents of assisted living facilities

For more information, call 856-222-9311, ext. 1492, or email volcenter@hotmail.com.

This article originally appeared on the Cinnaminson Patch