The Episcopal Diocese of Long Island’s Youth & Young Adult Ministries invites youth, young adults, parishes, and community partners to take part in the MLK Weekend of Service, a diocesan-wide weekend dedicated to faith in action. Service projects will take place across the diocese, offering meaningful opportunities to serve local communities while honoring the legacy of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Service projects hosted by parishes and community organizations will be listed on this page as they are received, making it easy for youth and young adults to find opportunities to participate throughout the weekend.
Available Volunteer Opportunities
Friday, January 16
St. George's, Astoria: Food Distribution Ministry
- Location: 14-20 27th Avenue, Astoria, NY 11102
- Time: 2:30 pm - 5 pm
- Contact: The Rev. Spencer Cantrell – Email: spencer@stgeorgeastoria.org, Phone: 731-441-3228
- Description: St. George’s regular food distribution will return this Friday for the new year. We will bag produce and nonperishables to deliver to our neighbors in Astoria Houses and Hallet’s Cove Apartments, and distribute the remainder to those who come to the church at the regular distribution time.
Saturday, January 17
St Barnabas: Micah Breakfast Ministry
- Location: 725 Belmont Ave. Brooklyn, NY 11208
- Time: 8 am to 10 am
- Contact: Cyta Billingy – Email: Cy-bill2@hotmail.com, Phone: 516-424-8801
- Description: Volunteers will prepare and serve a hot breakfast to our guests, who will gather in the church hall to enjoy their meal with tea, coffee, or juice. Join us in offering good food and warm hospitality to our community.
Sunday, January 18
St. Ann & the Holy Trinity Church and Pro-Cathedral: Interfaith Prison Partnership
- Location: 157 Montague St, Brooklyn, NY 11201
- Time: 10:15 am to 11:00 am
- Contact: The Rev. Brendan Nee – Email: bnee@stannholytrinity.org, Phone: 718-875-6960
- Description: Join St. Ann’s and the Interfaith Prison Partnership to pack activity kits for children visiting their moms in New York State correctional facilities.
St. Ann & the Holy Trinity Church and Pro-Cathedral & Repair the World
- Location: 157 Montague St, Brooklyn, NY 11201
- Time: 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm
- Contact: The Rev. Brendan Nee – Email: bnee@stannholytrinity.org, Phone: 718-875-6960
- Description: Honor Dr. King’s call to justice this MLK Weekend of Service by learning about food insecurity and taking meaningful action. Volunteers will pack hygiene kits at St. Ann’s in Brooklyn to support community members with essential personal care items. The program will start with facilitated group learning, followed by hands-on service packing hygiene kits to support community members in need. Designed for adults 18+. RSVP here.
Monday, January 19
- St. Paul's Episcopal Church: Ministry Mondays
- Location: 27 Rider Ave., Patchogue, NY 11772
- Time: 10:00 am to 2:00 pm
- Contact: Jo-Mary Daumont – Email: admin@stpaulspatchogue.org, Phone: 631-475-3078
- Description: St. Paul's Ministry Mondays offers a Soup Kitchen, Food Pantry, and Thrift Shop. In addition, the HALI Shower Truck will provide shower facilities for people experiencing homelessness, and Stony Brook will bring a Health Clinic. Other community partners will also join us on a monthly or bi-monthly basis to offer a variety of supportive services.
Call for Service Projects
Parishes and community organizations planning service projects during MLK Weekend are encouraged to submit their opportunities so they can be shared and coordinated across the diocese. Please submit project details using the form below.
Questions? Email Chelsy DeHart, Director of Youth & Young Adult Ministries, at cdehart@dioceseli.org.
About the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (1929–1968) was a Baptist minister, civil rights leader, and advocate for nonviolent social change. Grounded in Christian faith, Dr. King called the nation to pursue justice, equality, and the creation of what he described as the Beloved Community—a society rooted in love, dignity, and mutual care. His legacy continues to inspire people of faith to live out their beliefs through service, compassion, and action.
This MLK Weekend of Service invites young people across the Diocese of Long Island to Dream Bigger, Together as we honor Dr. King’s vision through service and love of neighbor.