Williamsport is inviting the public to join its celebration of Dream Week, in honor of the “Mission Possible: Protecting Freedom, Justice and Democracy in memory of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

“It is an invitation to all to attend the Martin Luther King Jr. National Day of Service, a defining moment each year when Americans across the country step up to make communities more equitable and take action to create the Beloved Community of Dr. King’s dream,” a news release said. “Dr. King’s acknowledgement and fight for systemic change serves as the call to action for the Day of Service.”

MLK Day is the only federal holiday designated as a National Day of Service to encourage all Americans to volunteer to improve their communities.

During the last quarter-century, the MLK Day of Service has grown, and its impact increased as more Americans embraced the idea that citizenship involves taking an active role in improving communities.

STEP AmeriCorps, Pennsylvania College of Technology, Lycoming College, the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank, the United Way of Lycoming County, the United Churches of Lycoming County, and the James V. Brown Library are partnering for Dream Week 2025.

The highlighted events will kick off on Monday, Jan. 20, with the STEP AmeriCorps Peace Walk and hygiene drive, preceded by a children’s event at the library. There are several other opportunities to take part in the Dream Week starting on Jan. 17 listed below.

The Peace Walk, however, will begin at noon at Bethel AME Church, 601 Hepburn St. Participants will depart on a trek that is about a one-mile loop and return to the church. Participants are encouraged to bring a hygiene item to the walk: collected goods will be distributed to local shelters and social service providers.

On Friday, Jan. 24, Penn College is hosting a “Lunch and Learn” on the topic of financial literacy. The luncheon, facilitated by Cornerstone Independent Asset Management, will be held at STEP’s Williamsport campus on Boyd Street.

On Saturday, Jan. 25, the United Churches of Lycoming County will organize a bus trip to the African American Museum of History & Culture in Washington, D.C. Tickets are available for $64 each. Interested individuals should call 570-322-1110.

In addition to events, Dream Week 2025 will offer many service opportunities in our community beginning on Friday, Jan. 17. Opportunities include preparing meals, serving meals, packing food boxes, a clothing drive, and produce distribution.

The full list of service opportunities and events, along with registration, can be found at www.stepcorp.org/mlk.

Dream Week events are plentiful and run from Jan. 17 through Jan. 25.

On Jan. 17, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., a Meal Prep and Meal and Message will be held at New Covenant United Church of Christ, 202 E. Third St.

On Jan. 18, look for a Meal and Message from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Sojourner Truth Ministries, 501 High St.

On Jan. 20, a MLK Day Children’s Event will be held at the James V. Brown Library, 19 E. Fourth St., from 10 to 11:15 a.m.

On Jan. 22, there will be a food box packing event from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Central PA Food Bank, 3301 Wahoo Drive.

That same day there will be a kitchen takeover event from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. (prep and cook meal), and 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. (serve meal) at the Sojourner Truth Ministries, 501 High St.

On Jan. 23, the Central PA Food Bank holds another food box packing from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Wahoo Drive address.

On Jan. 24, American Rescue Workers has a clothing drive from 8 a.m. to noon at the facility at 337 Bridge St.

On Jan. 24, Central PA Food Bank has a Fresh Express Distribution from 10:30 a.m. to 2:15 p.m at Firetree Place, 600 Campbell St.

On Jan. 24, ARW Congregate Lunch will be held at noon to 1 p.m. at the ARW, 337 Bridge St.