2019 MLK Day of Service – Long Beach

Nearly 500 volunteers made it a “Day On, not a Day Off,” on Monday, January 21 as part of the MLK National Day of Service in Long Beach.  There were 16 service projects coordinated by Leadership Long Beach and supported by the Office of Mayor Robert Garcia, Councilman Al Austin, Councilman Rex Richardson, the Port of Long Beach and a host of civic and community organizations.

Scherer Park, at the corner of Del Amo Blvd and Atlantic Avenue in Bixby Knolls, held the kickoff rally and MLK celebratory remembrance.  Long Beach City Councilman Al Austin (8th District), Long Beach Councilman Rex Richardson (9th District) and California State Senator Tom Umberg (34th District) were among the elected officials in attendance and spoke of the importance of the day to the attendees.  Once again, the Long Beach Firefighters Union cooked the pancake pancake breakfast for the volunteers attending.  Volunteers confirmed their volunteer site registration with direction information and were on their way by 9 AM.

Project #1

Building a Healing Community

Project Host:  The Maye Center

Volunteers worked with the Maye Center to build a garden that will serve as a means of therapy to the community.  The work included pulling weeds, building potato planters, building a garden including ponds, arts and crafts such as painting on the fence, drawing, creating garden signs and planting flowers.

Project #2

Revitalize Organic Urban Farm

Project Host:  Gladys Avenue Urban Farm

Volunteers worked with Gladys Avenue Urban Farm to provide food access and production to low income community members.  Under direction, volunteers were able to design a garden which will include weeding, planting 15 different vegetables, building farm stands, arts and crafts with painting and drawing art on walls, designing workspace and community farm stand, building irrigation and safe space for pre-school children to learn about growing, harvesting and planting organic veggies.

Project #3

McArthur Park Beautification

Project Host:  6th Council District Office

Volunteers assisted with playground and park cleanup.

Project #4

Veterans Park Beautification

Project Host:  6th District Council office

Volunteers were involved with playground and park cleanup.

Project #5

Junipero Beach Clean Up

Project Host:  2nd & 3rd District Council offices

Volunteers assisted in cleaning up the beach and parking lot area at Junipero Beach.

Project #6

Corridor Clean Up – Long Beach Blvd

Project Host:  8th District Council office

Volunteers assisted the 8th District Council office in cleaning up the corridor along Long Beach Blvd.  Duties included picking up trash, pulling weeds and sweeping the corridor.

Project #7

Corridor Clean Up – Atlantic Avenue

Project Host:  8th District Council office

Volunteers assisted the 8th District Council office in cleaning up the corridor along Atlantic Avenue.  Everyone picked up trash, pulled weeds and swept the corridor.

Project #8

Corridor Clean Up – Orange Avenue

Project Host:  8th Council District Office

Volunteers will assist the 8th District Council office in cleaning up the corridor along Orange Avenue.  Duties include picking up trash, pulling weed and sweeping the corridor.

Project #9

Washington Neighborhood Beautification

Project Host:  Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles

Volunteers aided Habitat for Humanity and community members with beautifying the area of Washington Neighborhood where middle school students walk and play on a daily basis.  Volunteers cleaned up around the park, school and alleys surrounding the school.

Project #10

Community Clean Up at Bixby Knolls Park

Project Host:  Readwrite Educational Solutions, Inc.

Volunteers did a deep clean of the playground, combing the sand and picking up trash around the park.  Some light cleaning and maintenance of classroom; replaced vinyl adhesive on two classroom tables, deep cleaning classroom chairs and window cleaning (inside and outside).

Project #11

Garden Planting and Clean Up

Project Host:  9th Council District Office

Volunteers added plants to the remaining plot at Houghton Park Valor Plaza and performed general cleanup of Houghton Park.

Project #12

Gardening activity at Preschool site

Project Host:  9th District Council Office

Volunteers were able to plant grape and berry vines, mini-vegetable plots and removed two 8-foot tall dead trees.

Project #13

Jordan High School Beautification

Project Host:  9th District Council Office

Volunteers were able to spread mulch and put new plants in some garden and courtyard areas. 

Project #14

North Long Beach alley clean ups

Project Host:  9th Council District Office, Grant Neighborhood Association

Volunteers removed debris, trash and discarded large items from selected North Long Beach alleys.

Project #15

Community Garden planting and mulch spreading 

Project Host:  Our Foods

Volunteers added new plants in 12 raised beds as well as moving and spreading mulch.

Project #16

Scherer Park Beautification

Project Host:  8th Council District Office

Volunteers cleaned up park grounds and outdoor areas.