Community Corner

Kids: Volunteer for MLK Day of Service at Studio LuLoo

With schools closed, parents can send their kids to a free day camp for some community-minded volunteerism.

Martin Luther King, Jr. helped change the world, says community organizer Sarah O'Brien—but helping children find their connection to the civil rights movement decades later can be something of a challenge.

That's why O'Brien is working with other area businesses to help organize a day of service at her Oaklyn-based Studio Luloo on Monday, January 20.

When she lived in Ohio, O'Brien worked for a nonprofit called City Year that provided a day camp for school children on Martin Luther King Day, and "finally, I was at a point to provide that here," she said.

"Of any days to go out and do service or help our kids it's that day," O'Brien said.

"We want all of us to be reminded of our history, and history that is very recent. Our grandparents and parents were still alive when this was happening."

For parents who need a childcare activity on that day (schools are closed), the service event is a welcome—and feee—full-day program; for those who want to volunteer, it's an opportunity to take on a service activity alongside their children. 

"The idea is to educate and connect on this day, and obviously provide a service for folks that's not just that day," O'Brien said.

The event runs from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., and children are welcome to come for the entire day or just a portion of its activities.

For children aged 3 to 12, the Community Rocks! day camp will host craft-making, games, and performing arts activities related to King's teachings.

Events will be held at Studio LuLoo and Ovations Dance Studio. All kids get a free lunch from next-door Philly’s Phatties Pizza Shop.

Then, at 2:30 p.m. the children will take part in a "freedom march" to the Oaklyn Baptist Church where the event will conclude with performances, refreshments, and a birthday cake for King.

Adults and children aged 10 and older are invited to participate in one of the service activities coordinated through the event with nearby agencies (participants are advised to bring a bag lunch):

Community Rocks is also collecting donations, including non-perishables, coats, and art supplies to benefit its service partners.

"Every kid needs this whether you can afford it or you can't," O'Brien said.

"Feel free to make a donation—money, food, art supplies—but we really just want to make it free for all kids."

Register at: 
info@communityrocks.org or 856-296-2274.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here