The Martin Luther King, Jr., National Day of Service is a defining moment each year when Americans across the country step up to illustrate Dr. King’s vision of the Beloved Community. Dr. King’s acknowledgement and fight for systemic change to create the Beloved Community of his dream serves as the call to action for the Day of Service. A day to support one another and the whole community.
MLK Day is the only federal holiday designated as a National Day of Service to encourage all Americans to volunteer to improve their communities. During the last quarter-century, the MLK Day of Service has grown, and its impact increased as more Americans embraced the idea that citizenship involves taking an active role in improving communities.
Representatives of STEP, the United Way of North Central Pennsylvania, United Churches of Lycoming County, Pennsylvania College of Technology, Lycoming College, James V. Brown Library, and Central Pennsylvania Food Bank have been organizing activities with many additional partner agencies to provide the community with over a week of events, called Dream Week. Events include the following:
– Sunday, January 18 from 6-7 p.m.: MLK Day Worship Service hosted by City Alliance Church with Northway Community Church and Antioch Church, 380 W. 4th St., Williamsport.
– Monday, January 19 from 10:30-11:15a.m.: MLK Day Children’s Event at the James V. Brown Library, 19 E. 4th St., Williamsport.
– Monday, January 19 from 12-12:45 p.m.: Peace Walk, beginning at Bethel AME Church, 601 Hepburn St., Williamsport.
– Thursday, January 22 from 3-4:30 p.m.: PCT Lunch & Learn, Bush Campus Center, One College Ave., Williamsport (pre-registration required).
– Sunday, January 25 at 2 p.m.: “King in the Wilderness” movie at the District Cinema, 965 Lycoming Mall Circle, Muncy. The movie is free, but tickets are needed. Tickets will be distributed at Dream Week events or through contacting a partnering agency.
In addition to events, Dream Week 2026 features an array of service opportunities that the public can sign up to help support local organizations, including:
– Friday, January 16 from 6-8 p.m.: Sojourner Truth Ministries Kitchen Takeover (prep) service opportunity hosted by New Covenant Church, 202 E. 3rd St., Williamsport.
– Saturday, January 17 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m.: Sojourner Truth Ministries Kitchen Takeover (meal service) service opportunity at STM, 501 High St., Williamsport.
– Tuesday, January 20 from 8a.m.-2 p.m.: Rise Up Village Bakery Service Project, 202 E. Third St., Williamsport.
– Wednesday, January 21 from 9a.m.-1 p.m.: American Rescue Workers Cleanout, 337 Bridge St., Williamsport.
– Wednesday, January 21 from 12-2 p.m.: Central Pennsylvania Food Bank food box packing, 3301 Wahoo Dr., Williamsport.
– Wednesday, January 21 from 2:30-6 p.m.: Thrive meal packing, 202 E. Third St., Williamsport.
For a full listing of events and programs offered to the public, and to register, visit stepcorp.org/mlk. About STEP, Inc.
STEP, Inc. is one of 1,000 Community Action Agencies nationwide, and a member of the Community Action Association of Pennsylvania. Founded in 1966 and formally known as the Lycoming-Clinton Counties Commission for Community Action (STEP), Inc., the agency will be celebrating 60 years of partnerships and service to the community in 2026. The mission of STEP, Inc. is to engage diverse individuals, families, and communities in the pursuit of social and economic success. STEP, Inc.’s mission is accomplished through five Pathways to Success: Early Learning, Housing Options, Workforce Development, Community Collaboration, and Independent Living.
