Due to COVID-19, this year's Martin Luther King Jr. Day Challenge will be a drop-off only event. From 10:00 am - 3:00 pm, donations can be dropped off in the parking lot at the Burlington County Library (5 Pioneer Blvd., Westampton, NJ 08060).

The challenge's purpose is to encourage Burlington County residents to join thousands of Americans in remembering Dr. King by participating in service projects. Together, we honor Dr. King's legacy of tolerance, peace and equality by meeting community needs and making the holiday a day of community service. It is a day on, not a day off.

The Volunteer Center of Burlington County will be gathering donations for the following:

• Oaks Integrated Care Food Pantry - Mount Holly: This food pantry serves Burlington County. They're accepting food donations, including the following list.
  • Peanut butter and jelly
  • Breakfast items (such as oatmeal and cereal)
  • Kid-friendly snacks (such as granola bars)
  • Canned meat and fish
  • Microwavable foods (such as Easy Mac or Chief Boyardee)
  • Canned fruits and vegetables
     
• Operation Yellow Ribbon of South Jersey: This organization supports United States military forces serving in the Middle East as well as those supporting Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Inherent Resolve. The following items are requested and appreciated.
  • Protein/energy bars, breakfast bars and protein powder
  • 5-Hour Energy drink products
  • Tea and ground coffee
  • Mio Liquid Water Enhancers and Crystal Light Drink Mix (individual packets)
  • Powdered drink mixes (Gatorade, etc.)
  • Bagged tuna and chicken
  • Dry-roasted peanuts and mixed nuts
  • Pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds
  • Dried fruit
  • Beef jerky and Slim Jim's
  • Potato chips in cylinders or cans
  • Tasty Kakes and Girl Scout cookies
  • Rice Kripsie treats
  • Chewing gum, hard candy, etc.
  • Skittles, Swedish Fish and Twizzlers
  • Sunscreen
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Visine or saline eye drops
  • Chapstick
  • Puffs/Kleenex
  • Baby powder and baby wipes
  • Foot powder
  • Batteries (AAA, AAA, C, D)
  • Puzzle and crossword books
  • Hand-held electronic games (poker, bingo, etc.)
  • Specialty items for women (shampoo and conditioner, moisturizing bath soap, body wash, deodorant, body lotion, emery boards, small hand mirrors, loofahs, q-tips and feminine hygiene products)
     
• Burlington County Animal Shelter: Caring for the shelter's animals requires a lot of time, love and supplies. Below is their wish list. Donating the following items can help with the day-to-day care of animals and support the shelter's operational needs.
  • Frontline
  • Canned, wet and dry dog food
  • Dog treats
  • Canned and dry cat food
  • Dog toys (especially plastic/rubber) and cat toys (plastic)
  • Cat litter (non-clumping)
  • Antibacterial hand soap and hand sanitizer
  • Bleach
  • High-efficiency laundry detergent and fabric softener sheets
  • Towels, blankets, sheets and pillow cases
  • Wash rags
  • Paper towels
  • Brooms and scrub brushes
  • Plug-in room fresheners

You can also drop off greeting cards, which will be delivered to residents of assisted living facilities.

For more information, please contact the Volunteer Center of Burlington County at volcenter@hotmail.com or (856) 222-9311 ext. 1492.