From Friday, January 17 through Thursday, January 23, 2025, Up2Us Sports staff and coaches in three cities participated in AmeriCorps’ MLK Day of Service, honoring Dr. King’s legacy. Established in 1994, this national day of service, led by AmeriCorps, is the only federal holiday dedicated to community service—a “day on, not a day off.” Up2Us Sports coaches fittingly dedicated their efforts to Dr. King’s honor.

Cities that served included Chicago, New Orleans and New York City. Service Days in Philadelphia (weather) and Los Angeles (fire destruction) have been postponed to a later date.

CHICAGO

The Marillac House food pantry is the only "at choice" food pantry in Chicago-- it is located on the West Side of Chicago in a neighborhood that's considered a food desert. They mainly serve the area codes of 60612, 60624, and 60644 but will never turn anyone in need away. The Chicago team of staff and coaches helped stock their shelves, fridges, and freezers with food, broke down boxes, threw away waste, and cleaned produce boxes. Ms. Holly at the food pantry relayed how important it was for everything to be stocked during the cold weather seasons because when people come to get food the lines are generally around the block.

NEW ORLEANS

In New Orleans, our staff and coaches dedicated their MLK Day of Service to supporting Dolores T. Aaron Charter School. Up2Us Coaches and local staff worked together to move and organize supplies, fold and store T-shirts used as incentives for students achieving good grades, and even screen-print designs for new T-shirts that the student body will wear during testing. It was a day filled with teamwork, community spirit, and meaningful contributions to the school and its students.

NEW YORK CITY

In New York City, our staff and coaches partnered with S:US (Services for the Underserved) to help prepare 48 new apartments at Alafia, a wellness-focused affordable housing community for formerly homeless individuals. They provided future residents with essential supplies, contributing to their fresh start. Alafia will ultimately offer 315 units, rented through a lottery process overseen by New York State Housing & Community Renewal. A highlight of the day was a live talk by Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado, accompanied by inspiring remarks from State Senator Roxanne Persaud and Laura Rog, NYC Service’s Chief Service Officer.

View official photos from S:US here.

To learn more about MLK Service Day, click here.