West Side Grows Together in partnership with Be Ready CDC, the Delaware Nature Society, Girls Like Us Empowerment Group, Humbly Assisting Humanity, I Am My Sister’s Keeper, Jefferson Street Center, MSK Community Center, National Health Corps Delaware, Public Allies Delaware, Residents, Safe United Neighborhoods, West End Neighborhood House, Wilmington Peacekeepers, and Woodlawn Trustees, will host the 13th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day Clean Up, Peace March, and Celebration on Monday, January 20th at the Jefferson Street Center, located in Hanover Presbyterian Church at 1801 Jefferson Street in the Triangle/Bayard Village neighborhood of Wilmington.

Each year, the planning committee selects a theme to inspire the event, and this year’s theme, “United in Commitment, Stronger through Connection,” reflects the ongoing collaboration among groups across the city’s unique and historic neighborhoods to work together for the common good of the community. Originally launched as a march for peace by the Wilmington Peacekeepers—a volunteer-led organization dedicated to reducing violence and empowering individuals—the event has evolved significantly. Through a partnership with West Side Grows Together, the initiative has grown into a citywide effort, bringing together dozens of community-focused organizations and passionate individuals united in their commitment to creating a brighter future for Wilmington’s residents.

Based on feedback gathered from participants over the years, this year’s event is designed to deepen attendee engagement by emphasizing the spirit of connection. In addition to the renowned “Day of Service,” attendees will have the opportunity to connect with more than a dozen local grassroots organizations offering valuable resources and support. The event will also feature hands-on “done-in-a-day” projects, enabling participants to make meaningful & tangible contributions while building relationships and creating a lasting impact that extends far beyond the day itself.

"We are so excited to open up our Community Hub for this beautiful event.  Partnering with West Side Grows Together, the Wilmington Peacekeepers, Hanover Presbyterian Church and all of the amazing partnering organizations truly showcases the cross community collaboration that will keep our city strong and connected."

-Amanda August, Executive Director of the Jefferson Street Center

Attendees are invited to kick off the day bright and early at the Todd Memorial, located across from the Jefferson Street Center, with a complimentary light breakfast generously provided by Dark Horse Coffee Co., Hell’s Belles Bake Shop, Humbly Assisting Humanity, PR Bakery Deli & More, Scout Café, and Wawa. Following breakfast, participants will come together to clean up the neighborhood, setting the tone for a day of unity and impact.

After the cleanup, the Wilmington Peacekeepers will lead a march for peace, beginning at the Todd Memorial (across the street from the Jefferson Street Center) through a 1.5-mile loop. Along the route, participants will pass iconic Wilmington landmarks, including Conscious Connections Urban Farm, One Love Park/Tatnall Playground, and the Bob Marley House. The march will conclude at the Jefferson Street Center, where the Celebration & “Done-in-a-Day” service projects will begin.

During the celebration, guests will enjoy a delicious free lunch featuring offerings from Fried Chicken Taco Loco, La Flor Grocery, Merengue House Restaurant & Bar, and Whole Foods Market. DJ Timdogg will set the vibe with an energetic playlist while attendees engage in a variety of impactful service projects. Activities include assembling care packages for neighbors in need with Humbly Assisting Humanity, writing affirmation cards for students with Girls Like Us Empowerment Group, helping Hanover Church with building cleanup, crafting inspirational bookmarks for nonprofits supporting childhood literacy, hosted by the Jefferson Street Center, painting dove ornaments for young artists featured in the Pacem in Terris Visionary Peace Youth Art Exhibition, swapping seeds and potting plants for Conscious Connections Urban Farm with Messiah’s Market, and sorting baby clothes to benefit Harper’s Heart Love Closet benefitting children ages 0-24 months.

In addition to these projects, participants can unwind with therapy dogs from Paws for People, connect with community organizations, shop with small local businesses, explore resources. Guests can also enjoy the Relaxation Lounge with coloring activities or join MSK Community Center or I Can Do 26.2 Kids Running Series Winter Activation for some family-friendly fun.  

Guests can save time and pre-register at westsidegrows.org/mlkday, or register on-site.

Event Schedule

10:30am-12pm Community Cleanup starting at Todd Memorial

12-1pm Peace March starting at Todd Memorial

1-3pm Celebration at the Jefferson Street Center

For those with other plans, the Delaware Art Museum offers a meaningful way to engage in the spirit of service as part of their concurrent MLK Day of Service.  Youth are invited to create posters alongside local “Artivist” 7GOD, which will be shared with neighbors participating in the Todd Memorial peace march.  Meanwhile, volunteers can join Messiah’s Market at Conscious Connections Urban Farm for a hands-on farm cleanup to prepare for the growing season.

This event would not be possible without the help of the City of Wilmington, Congregation Beth Shalom, Dark Horse Coffee Co., DJ Timdogg, Fried Chicken Taco Loco, Governor-Elect Matt Meyer, Hanover Presbyterian Church, Hell’s Belles Bake Shop, La Flor Grocery, Merengue House Restaurant & Bar, PR Bakery Deli & More, Scout Cafe, Warner Elementary School, Wawa, Whole Foods Market, and Wilmington Police Department.