Join the community in honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with a variety of service events and activities leading up to and on MLK Day on Monday, January 19, 2026.

Click here to view and download the PDF schedule or scroll down to view the schedule provided below.

This information is available on the City of Summit website at cityofsummit.org/m/newsflash/home/detail/2596.

Leading up to MLK Day Weekend and After

Dream in Action: Winter Collection Drive and Service
When: January 2–19, 2026
Where: The Summit Area YMCA, 67 Maple Street, Summit
What: The Summit Area YMCA is accepting coats, hats, gloves and toys in all sizes for men, women, and children (local families in need). In addition to the donation collection, the Y is offering service opportunities to set-up, sort and clean-up after the “shopping day” for families. Craft tables for kids while parents shop will be available. More information at www.thesay.org/blog/dream-in-action-mlk-day-service-sharing/.

ABC Club Book Drive for The Area Baby Center
When: January 2–February 1, 2026
Where: The Summit Free Public Library, 75 Maple Street, Summit
What: The ABC Club at Summit High School is hosting a book drive for The Area Baby Center. They are accepting donations of board books. Donation bin is located near the circulation desk.

Community Service Wednesdays for Teens
When: January 14 and January 21, 2026, 3 - 4PM
Where: The Summit Free Public Library, Hickok Room, 75 Maple Street, Summit
What: Teens can participate through the Library’s Teen Volunteer Program; registration required.

The Perfect Neighbor
When: January 31, 2026, 1 - 4PM
Where: The Summit Free Public Library, 75 Maple Street, Summit
What: Sponsored by The Summit Free Public Library, The Summit Interfaith Council Anti-Racism Committee, and STAR (Strong Teens Against Racism). Partial viewing and discussion of the documentary film. Open to high school-aged students and adults. High schoolers must have parent permission to attend the viewing. For full program listing and registration information, visit summitlibrary.libcal.com/event/15729111.

Friday, January 16

The Afro-Semitic Experience
When: Friday, January 16, 2026, 7:30–8:30 PM
Where: Temple Sinai, 208 Summit Avenue, Summit
What: Shabbat Service Tribute to Martin Luther King, Jr. featuring The Afro-Semitic Experience, a collaborative jazz group of Jewish-American and African-American musicians who blend their cultural roots into a unique musical style grounded in unity and community. Email info@summitantiracism.org to receive information about anti-racism events in Summit (e.g., Dialogue Circles on Race, Book Discussions, Diversity and Inclusion Training, and more).

Sunday, January 18

Screening of “King in the Wilderness”
When: Sunday, January 18, 2026, 1:30–4:30 PM
Where: New Providence Memorial Library, 377 Elkwood Avenue, New Providence
What: Sponsored by The Summit College Club (SCC), AAUW-Madison Branch, NP Library. Documentary focuses on the last two years of Dr. King’s life highlighting his work with key initiatives such as the Chicago Freedom Movement, anti-Vietnam War protests and more. Film features interviews with several of Dr. King’s friends and colleagues. Dr. Maureen Grant of SCC will moderate Q&A discussion. 

Pretty Fire by Charlayne Woodard - A play reading in celebration of Dr. King
When: Sunday, January 18, 2026, 2 - 4PM
Where: Saint John’s Lutheran Church, 587 Springfield Avenue, Summit
What: Co-Sponsored by Vivid Stage, Interweave and Saint John’s Lutheran Church. On the weekend that marks the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr, join us for a reading of Pretty Fire. Charlayne Woodard’s one-woman autobiographical play chronicles her African- American family's experiences through three generations. This NAACP award winning play-reading is a fitting way to reflect on the challenges still before us as we celebrate Martin Luther King Jr.’s Legacy. This compelling play tells the story of two young sisters in the small world of Albany, New York; of Ku Klux Klan riders burning a cross—the ironic “pretty fire” of the title—in the hilltop Black town of Rosignol Hill, Georgia. PRETTY FIRE is an enthralling celebration of life that takes the audience on a universal journey through a world in which the family bond is as strong as steel. Discussion, fellowship and refreshments will follow this 75-minute reading. Information will be available about the Summit Interfaith Council's Anti-Racism Committee and the NAACP, and ways to support their work, continuing Dr. King’s Legacy.

Monday, January 19

Hearts and Cards
When: Monday, January 19, 2026, 9AM - 12PM
Where: Reeves-Reed Arboretum, Stackhouse Education Center, 165 Hobart Avenue, Summit
What: Create a Valentine Card for clients of SAGE Eldercare. Supplies will include paper, ribbon, yarn and other re-purposed materials. Complete your card on-site or at home and return it to the Arboretum any time before February 3rd and place it in the container outside the Stackhouse Education Center. Cards will be delivered to SAGE Eldercare. No registration required. School age children and parents warm the hearts of neighbors with the spirit of Dr. King.

TryCAN Family Day at the Movies: Zootopia and Pancake Breakfast
When: Monday, January 19, 2026, 9:30–11:30 AM
Where: Summit Community Center, 100 Morris Avenue, Summit
What: Sponsored by TryCAN and the Department of Community Programs. Get comfy, bring blankets, pillows or a sleeping bag for the annual family day at the movies! A full pancake breakfast will be served. Additionally, there will be a quiet area with activities for those needing a break or space to cool down! This is a great opportunity for our mentors to honor MLK with a day of service! Please pre-register for this event so we have a head count for food!

Ending Homelessness Together: A Service Event for Families
When: Monday, January 19, 2026, 10AM - 12PM
Where: Central Church Auditorium, 70 Maple Street, Summit
What: Sponsored by Bridges, Central Presbyterian Church, and Short Hills Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Families are invited to serve Bridges by making lunches, packing hygiene kits, tying blankets and more. Community Art and Education will lead families to talk about homelessness and how we can work together toward solutions. Registration is appreciated.

First Aid Kit Assembly
When: Monday, January 19, 2026, 10 - 11AM
Where: GRACE Summit Community Center, Senior Lounge, 100 Morris Avenue, Summit
What: Come and assemble a first aid kit with household essentials and a note of encouragement for our families in need.

Through a Dog’s Eyes!
When: Monday, January 19, 2026, 11:30 AM–12:15 PM
Where: The Connection, 79 Maple Street, Summit
What: Co-sponsored by The Seeing Eye of Morristown and The Connection. This is a fun (and furry!) opportunity for families to learn the history of The Seeing Eye and how a dog can enhance the independence, dignity and self-confidence of blind people. Volunteer will lead a session on how puppies are trained to become guide dogs for people who are blind. Attendees will learn how families prepare dogs to be in service and will meet and pet a puppy in training.

Community Rock Garden
When: Monday, January 19, 2026, 12:30–2:30 PM
Where: The Visual Arts Center of New Jersey, 68 Elm Street, Summit
What: All ages and families are welcome to paint rocks to contribute to our community rock garden! Help us spread messages of peace, love, and hope or create an image that is all your own! Once done, all creations will live in the Art Center’s rock garden for the community to enjoy. All materials and supplies will be provided. VACNJ’s Director of Education and Community Engagement, Rachel Aponte, will be onsite to help with materials and ideas.

TryCAN Mentor Training
When: Monday, January 19, 2026, 1-3PM
Where: Summit Community Center, 100 Morris Avenue, Summit
What: Peer Mentors are one of the most important groups contributing to the success of the TryCAN Collaboration. Mentors assist TryCAN program participants as they interact with peers or test out new skills, helping them gain the confidence they need to have a positive overall experience. Peer Mentors will broaden their understanding of developmental disabilities while teaching and mentoring TryCAN youth. Interested in making a difference in the life of a special needs youth? Register online or contact David Guida, Summit TryCAN Coordinator at dguidajr@cityofsummit.org.

Community Blood Drive
When: Monday, January 19, 2026, 1-6PM
Where: Christ Church, Barnwell Hall, 561 Springfield Avenue, Summit
What: Sponsored by The Summit-New Providence Rotary Club and The American Red Cross. Blood donors must be aged 16+. Folks are encouraged to register in advance online or by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS.

The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Evening Service
When: Monday, January 19, 2026, 7–9:30 PM
Where: Fountain Baptist Church, 116 Glenside Avenue, Summit
What: Evening service sponsored by Fountain Baptist Church and the Tri-City NAACP with guest preacher will be Rev. Neichelle R. Guidry, Ph.D., Dean of the Chapel and Director of the WISDOM Center at Spelman College in Atlanta, GA.