Honoring the Dream in Delco: A Historic MLK Day of Service

On Monday, January 19, 2026, Delaware County didn’t just take a day off—we took a day on. From the streets of Chester to the woodlands of Tyler Arboretum and the campus of Villanova University, thousands of residents, students, and neighbors came together for the 4th Annual Delaware County MLK Day of Service. 

As we move toward our nation’s 250th anniversary, this year’s Day of Service also served as the official kickoff for DelcoVolunteers, our new initiative to build the largest network of community service this county has ever seen. If Monday was any indication, Delco is ready for a year of service.

Living History in Chester

Members of Delaware County Council, Widener University, the City of Chester, America250PADelco, the Cultural Arts and Technology Center, Making a Change, the Delaware County Heritage Commission, the MLK Commemorative Committee of Chester and Vicinity, and community community came together to celebrate the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. at the 4th Annual MLK Day of Service in Chester. 

The day began with power and purpose at Chester City Hall, a fitting starting line given Dr. King’s own history as a student at Crozer Theological Seminary. 

City of Chester Mayor Stephan Roots reflected on the time Dr. King spent in Delaware County as a young man. Dr. King studied at Crozer Theological Seminary in Upland, graduating in 1951. At Crozer he was elected President of the student body while spending time preaching at Calvary Baptist Church in Chester. The churches, people and landmarks all over Chester served as an important stop on his journey to becoming the civil rights icon he’s known as today.

We were deeply moved by the remarks of Delaware County Council Vice Chair Richard Womack. Councilman Womack didn't just speak about Dr. King as a historical figure; he shared his personal connection, reflecting on his own upbringing and the profound influence the King family had on his life. Growing up in a household steeped in the civil rights and labor movements—where the fight for justice was a daily reality, not just a chapter in a textbook—Councilman Womack reminded us that the "Dream" is not a static ideal, but a baton passed from generation to generation. His words grounded the day in the reality that service is a lifetime commitment.

Elleanor Jean Hendley, America250PADelco Commissioner and Emmy Award-winning journalist, challenged us to see our own roles in this continuing story. "The most important stories aren’t the ones we watch on a screen—they are the ones we write ourselves, through our actions," she told the gathered crowd. "Today, we are writing a story of service."

Following these remarks, the 175 members of the community took to the streets for a Peace March to Widener University. At Widener, participants worked on community beautification and community building activities that appealed to all ages. After lunch and remarks from local officials, the Cultural Arts and Technology Center and America250PADelco organized community building and art activities. These included a film and activity about the impacts of segregation, the creation of an “I Belong, We Belong” banner, a station with MLK historical pins, and much more.

The day in Chester culminated with a new tradition: the first-annual "Hoops for Hunger" basketball game, where friendly competition helped stock local food pantries.

Service Across the County

The spirit of service extended far beyond Chester. All over Delaware County, families, schools, and businesses found their own meaningful ways to commemorate Dr. King’s legacy.

Philadelphia Union Feeds the Community

Our America250PADelco sponsors at the Philadelphia Union proved they are champions off the field as well. The Union front office team dedicated their day to a massive food pantry packing drive at their facility. Their efforts resulted in 200 meal kits and valuable resources being delivered directly to the community pantry at the Boys and Girls Club of Chester. This practical, tangible support is exactly what Dr. King meant when he asked, "What are you doing for others?"

Detailed Reflections in Lansdowne

The Borough of Lansdowne honored Dr. King with a beautiful community celebration that touched the heart of the holiday. Residents gathered to reflect on his enduring impact through a program filled with local history, stirring music, and the powerful rhythms of African drumming. We want to extend a special thank you to Councilmember Benjamin Hover for organizing such a thoughtful program. We also thank President Jessica Pointer, Mayor Magda Byrne, Rep. Gina H. Curry, Sheriff Siddiq Kamara, and all the presenters, performers, and elected officials who contributed. It was a true celebration of unity.

Young Stewards at Tyler Arboretum

Over at Tyler Arboretum, we saw the future of service in action. We were incredibly inspired by a group of 8th graders from Strath Haven Middle School (Wallingford-Swarthmore School District).Twenty students spent their day off lending their energy and teamwork to ongoing storm cleanup in the Native Woodland Walk. These young volunteers hauled branches, cleared debris, and made a visible impact on the landscape. Their hard work, positive attitudes, and willingness to help where it was needed most reminded us how powerful service can be—especially when it connects young people to the stewardship of our natural world. We are so grateful to the students, teachers, horticulture team, and staff who made it possible.

Villanova University’s Week of Action

Villanova University continued its powerful tradition with its 19th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service. Students, alumni, staff, and faculty mobilized across campus and the greater Philadelphia region, engaging in projects ranging from cleaning community buildings to preparing care packages. In a standout partnership, Villanova Athletics teamed up with the Christian Street YMCA to support the "NextGen" program. They collected notebooks and school supplies to help local teens prepare for job and college interviews—a direct investment in the next generation of leaders. The commemoration continues on campus this week:

• On Tuesday, Jan. 20, the Center for Peace and Justice Education hosts the 2026 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Keynote Lecture featuring the renowned Dr. Molefi Kete Asante, a pioneering scholar in African American Studies.
• On Thursday, Jan. 22, the university will host Freedom School, a day-long workshop inspired by the 1960s movement, inviting the campus community to explore topics surrounding Dr. King’s vision.

The Work Continues

On Monday, Delaware County answered Dr. King's call with a resounding roar. But the work doesn't end when the sun goes down on MLK Day. DelcoVolunteers is here to ensure that this spirit of service continues every single day of our 250th anniversary year. Thank you to everyone who marched, packed, cleaned, and served. You made us Delco Proud.

 Made in USA + Made in Delco

Our commemorative 2026 MLK Day  tote bags look great because of the fast turn around and American -made sourcing of Arkmallah Hilliard of Embroidery Chef LLC, 510 Avenue of the States, Chester, PA, info@embroiderychef.com! 

Photos courtesy of Justin Tibbels