Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a nationally recognized Day of Service. Think of it as “a day on, not a day off.” Let’s make it a priority to walk the walk and honor the legacy of Dr. King this month (and always!). If you need ideas, have a look at these local opportunities to volunteer with kids.
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2026 I Have a Dream Race
Run a mile, 10K, half marathon, or marathon in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr.’s dream for equality, equity, and social justice.
A portion of every registration fee (15%) will be donated to the Equal Justice Initiative dedicated to ending mass incarceration and excessive punishment in the United States. Runners receive a bib, a medal featuring a quote from Dr. King, and the honor of progressing social justice and equality.
Date :: January 5 – January 31
Where :: Virtual
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Feed My Starving Children
Volunteers will pack vegetarian food packs at Feed My Starving Children in Richardson. The packs will be distributed to non-profits worldwide. Children as young as five years old are welcome to help. Register online. Note: No jewelry, including earrings and watches, are allowed. For questions, contact info@charities2love.org.
Date :: January 19
When :: 11:15 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Where :: 1680 North Glenville Drive, Suite 300, Richardson
Frisco Fastpacs
Families gather at Make Expression art studio in Frisco to paint bowls for the annual Empty Bowls fundraiser. The event raises awareness and funds to end childhood hunger in Frisco and surrounding areas.
Date :: January 19, 2026
When :: 10:00 a.m.
Where :: 2995 Preston Road, Suite 1535, Frisco
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Grapevine’s MLK Day of Service
Register your family to volunteer with Grapevine Parks and Recreation. Projects include litter pickup in parks and green spaces, plus general beautification projects.
Date :: January 19
When :: 9:00 – 11:00 a.m.
Where :: Several parks around Grapevine
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Celebration & Service Fair
The city of Rowlett is hosting a volunteer and service fair, bringing together local organizations, passionate speakers, and opportunities for families to get involved.
Date :: January 19
When :: 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Where :: Rowlett Community Centre at 5300 Main Street, Rowlett
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MLK Celebration Week
This is the 44th year of celebrating Martin Luther King Jr. in Dallas with a week of events focused on community, opportunity, and equity. The week starts with a day of reflection on Tuesday, January 13, at 11:00 a.m., and ends with the MLK parade on Monday, January 19, at 10:00 a.m. Events throughout the week include a scholarship and awards gala, job fair, equity indicators symposium, MLK fest, multicultural showcase, and a candle light ceremony.
Date :: January 13 – January 19
When :: Times vary by day
Where :: Various locations in Dallas
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Villanova Club of DFW
This is a hands-on opportunity for families with teens. Help the staff of Minnie’s Food Pantry load client vehicles (Minnie’s serves via drive thru), prepare cold bags, stock shelves, sort items, and prepare boxes. Register online. All volunteers must be 16 years old or older. Volunteers under 18 years old must be accompanied by an adult.
Date :: January 10
When :: 7:45 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Where :: Minnie’s Food Pantry, 661 18th Street, Plano
>> RELATED READ :: Volunteering with Kids in Dallas for MLK Day of Service <<
More Ways to Volunteer
The Ronnia Langston Foundation is a local organization in need of youth (ages 16 and up) and adult volunteers to help support its mission of positive youth development. Fill out an online application to volunteer for community service projects, mentoring, and more.
Points of Light Global Network runs Engage, a platform for connecting community members with volunteer opportunities. Enter your zip code at the link to find a variety of volunteer opportunities.
Idealist is another great way to search for volunteer opportunities near you — from community outreach to Meals on Wheels deliveries and more.
JustServe helps connect you with organizations like the International Rescue Committee, Lovepacs, All Community Food Pantry in Allen, Samaritan Inn in McKinney, Grace Bridge Food Bank in Celina, and other local groups doing great work. You can even search for virtual volunteer opportunities.
Are you involved with any youth groups, scouts, dance teams, athletics, etc.? Plan your own service project with the help of AmeriCorp. Use these volunteer project ideas and tips to get started. You can even register your project for greater visibility. Be sure to use #MLKDay when you register so volunteers can find your event!
On that note, Youth Service America has an MLK Day of Service hub that’s FULL of resources to help you create projects and get kids engaged.
