By Kathy Chouteau
For the 17th year, the Richmond community will evoke Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy of love, equality and justice with a day of service.
Urban Tilth and the City of Richmond are coming together to lead community members in a variety of volunteer projects along the Richmond Greenway Trail throughout the day.
Volunteer projects will include pitching in at the 6th and 7th Street Richmond Greenway Community Gardens, Pullman Portal and Unity Park. Those participating will be provided with gloves, tools and water, but should come prepared with their own water bottle, closed-toe shoes and clothes than can handle some dirt.
“Join us to take action and honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to serve others by working in the community and improving the Richmond Greenway Trail,” stated organizers.
Organizers are encouraging community volunteers to meet at Unity Park in Richmond before dispersing to their assigned worksites with their community partners. Volunteers can expect to perform tasks such as weeding, clearing green waste, planting lavender, spreading mulch, maintaining the edible forest, garden and bioswale maintenance and other jobs, said organizers.
The MLK Day of Service will take place rain or shine. Volunteers can expect to participate in their service project from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., followed by an MLK memorial service and community celebration including free lunch from 12- 1 p.m. at Unity Plaza.
Unity Park is located at 1605 Ohio Ave. in Richmond. Sign up to volunteer here. Questions? Email [email protected].
Also on MLK Day, the Happy Lot Farm and Garden will celebrate its 12th birthday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 45 1st St. in Richmond. The farm’s pre-teen “Birthday Party” will include farm activities, a raffle and light refreshments. While there, say hello to the farm’s resident turkey and chickens as you take in its bounty.
