[Williamsport, PA] — Most years, the MLK Day of Service sees hundreds of Lycoming County residents step up to serve as volunteers, providing valuable work for local nonprofits and ultimately serving area residents with various needs, from hunger to homelessness and more.
This year, STEP AmeriCorps, Lycoming College, Pennsylvania College of Technology, and Beloved Community Council have planned a week full of opportunities to (safely) be “better together.” To kick off, at 10:45 a.m. on Monday, January 18, Raphael Mnkandhla of Williamsport’s City Church will be giving a livestreamed message. After the message, individuals are encouraged to go out for individual and family Peace Walks and share their journeys and photos using #BetterTogether, #PeaceWalk, and #WilliamsportDreamWeek2021. All details are on the STEP AmeriCorps Facebook page.
WHO: Anyone who wants to join!
WHAT: Live Speaker and Virtual Peace Walk
WHERE: www.stepcorp.org/mlk for details, links to Facebook page for speaker broadcast
WHEN: Monday, January 18, 2020 at 10:45 a.m.
HOW TO SIGN UP: Advance registrants will receive Dream Week memorabilia. Register at www.stepcorp.org/mlk.
The Peace Walk is part of Dream Week, a series of events in Williamsport centered around MLK Day. On Tuesday, January 19, and Wednesday, January 20, a Red Cross blood drive will be held at Pennsylvania College of Technology from 12:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. both days. Appointments must be made, either using the Red Cross Donor app, at www.redcrossblood.org, or by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS. On Thursday, January 21, speaker April Reign will be broadcast live on Facebook and Zoom. The creator of the #OscarsSoWhite hashtag-turned-movement has been challenging the lack of representation of marginalized communities in Hollywood and beyond since 2015.
Throughout the week, individuals are encouraged to donate items to various nonprofits in our community, as well as performing a virtual good deed or act of service. For a donation items list and good deed ideas, visit the STEP AmeriCorps Facebook page.
This year’s altered activities are a perfect chance to remember this Martin Luther King, Jr. quote: “If I cannot do great things, I can do small things in a great way,” as we find new ways to serve others and build a beloved community.
