Volunteers Celebrate Oakland MLK Day of Service on January 19

Published on January 16, 2026

Hundreds of Oaklanders are signed up to volunteer at 52 community-organized service events across Oakland.

Media Contact:
Oakland Public Information Office
OaklandPIO@oaklandca.gov

Event Contact:
Markus von Euw
Service for Peace Bay Area
sfpbayarea@gmail.com
(510) 427-1605

Oakland, CA– On Monday, January 19, community organizations will host 52 service events across the city for Oakland MLK Day of Service. Volunteers will pick up litter, remove graffiti, weed, plant, and participate in other environmental stewardship projects, with support from Oakland Public Works. More information is available online at www.oaklandca.gov/topics/mlk-day-of-service.

Oaklanders can visit this interactive map to obtain detailed information about each event including site coordinator contact information, date, time, address, and a description of activities. Please note, some events fall on Saturday or Sunday.

The event sites below can all accommodate large groups of volunteers.

Groups of 10 or more should RSVP with the event site coordinator. Individuals and small groups are encouraged, but not required, to RSVP. Volunteers are asked to bring water and wear sturdy shoes and weather-appropriate gear. In case of inclement weather, volunteers should check the interactive map before departing for postponements or other changes.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service is sponsored by Service for Peace and The Corporation for National and Community Service. Each event is community-led, with support from Oakland Public Works and the Office of Mayor Barbara Lee. Mayor Lee is collaborating with Friends of Concordia Park to co-host the clean-up at Concordia Park as part of the administration's Keep the Town Clean initiative.

“Dr. King taught us that service to others is the highest calling, and Oaklanders continue to honor that legacy through action,” said Mayor Barbara Lee. “I am deeply grateful to the community groups that show up year after year on MLK Day of Service, and to all the volunteers getting involved for the first time through programs like Adopt-A-Spot, Adopt-A-Drain, and Keep the Town Clean. A cleaner, greener Oakland depends on you!”

Oakland volunteers can make a difference in their communities year-round by signing up to Adopt-A-Spot,Adopt-A-Drain or participate in a Keep the Town Clean event. Oakland Public Works supports volunteers by providing tools and supplies, debris pickup, promotion, and technical assistance.

# # #