18th Annual Joliet-Area MLK Day of Service Set for January 19, 2026
Community Invited to Honor Dr. King Through Service Projects for All Ages

Joliet Township High School and the African American Business Association are proud to announce the 18th Annual Joliet-Area Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service, taking place on Monday, January 19, 2026. This beloved community tradition offers people of all ages the opportunity to come together and give back through service projects across the Joliet area in honor of Dr. King’s legacy.

How to Volunteer
To volunteer, use the 2026 MLK Day of Service Volunteer Sign Up Form or visit www.jths.org and click on the MLK image near the bottom of the screen. All participants will receive a certificate documenting five hours of community service.

Important Note: If you are volunteering as part of a group or with more than one person, please designate one individual to complete the form on behalf of everyone. This will ensure your group is assigned to the same project. The individual filling out the form will be identified as the group leader and will receive confirmation of placement details. It is important that the volunteer placement information is shared with the entire group before the event.

About the 2026 MLK Day of Service
The event kicks off with registration at 7:30 a.m. in the Student Center Cafeteria at Joliet Central High School, located at 201 E. Jefferson Street. Participants will enjoy live music by the Mt. Zion Baptist Church Choir and a complimentary breakfast.

A welcoming ceremony will begin promptly at 8:20 a.m., followed by community service projects from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at various locations throughout the Joliet area and at Central Campus.

After completing their service, volunteers will return to Joliet Central for lunch, along with family-friendly entertainment by the 40+ Double Dutch group and DJ services by Sebastian Arroyo, owner and operator of With Purpose Media & Events.

“Now in its 18th year, the MLK Day of Service continues to unite our community around a shared purpose of giving back,” said Ericka Williams, MLK Day Co-Chair. “It’s a powerful way to honor Dr. King’s life and legacy.”

“This event is truly for everyone,” added Kristine Schlismann, MLK Day Co-Chair. “Families, individuals, and groups of all ages and abilities can participate. Whether it's painting, cleaning, or crafting valentines for veterans—there’s something for everyone.”

“We encourage everyone to make this holiday ‘A Day On, Not a Day Off’ by participating in service that uplifts our entire community,” said Christopher Parker, Board Chairman of the African American Business Association.

The planning committee thanks its sponsors, as this event would not be possible without their support.  Sponsors include: JTHS Athletic Boosters; African American Business Association of Will County; NAACP Joliet Chapter; National Hook Up of Black Women, Inc., Joliet Chapter; Ta Canijo; Home Cut Donuts; Jitters Coffee House; ARKAS Restaurant Group; JM Printers; Joliet Junior College; Sebastian Arroyo, owner and operator of With Purpose Media & Events; the Old Fashioned Pancake House; and Harrah’s Joliet Casino and Hotel.

Event Schedule
Breakfast & Volunteer Check-In
7:30 – 8:20 a.m. | Joliet Central

Welcoming Ceremony
8:20 a.m. | Joliet Central

Community Service Projects
9 a.m. – 12 p.m. | Joliet Community & Joliet Central

Lunch & Entertainment
12 – 2 p.m. | Joliet Central High School

How to Get Involved
To Volunteer:
Complete the Volunteer Sign-Up Form

Where to Park and Enter Joliet Central High School

There are three areas to enter the building. Park in any available spot in any school parking lot. All guests will be required to pass through the Evolve security system upon entry.

1. Enter the building through Door G, J, or I, located off Eastern Avenue
2. Enter through Door S1 (Accessible Entrance) near the Student Center (South Side of Building via Jefferson St./Collins St./Rt 52) – Parking for individuals with disabilities is available in Lot H. View Central Parking Lot Map for reference.
3. Enter the building through Door F (Field House off Herkimer Street)