CORA Services proudly hosted its third annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service on Monday, January 19, 2026, bringing together more than 100 volunteers, employees, agency partners, and community members for a day dedicated to compassion, connection, and purposeful action.
This year’s theme, “Helping Hands and Happy Hearts,” honored Dr. King’s enduring message of service and the transformative power of communities working together. Across two sessions at CORA’s headquarters at 8540 Verree Road, volunteers of all ages participated in 873 individual service projects, assembling resources that will support children, families, and individuals across the region.
Supporting Partners Across Philadelphia
Volunteers created care kits, 
comfort items, activity bundles, and messages of encouragement for several partner organizations, including:
- Family Promise
- Northern Children’s Services
- Congreso
- St. John’s Hospice
- Caring for Friends
- Ronald McDonald House
These contributions will directly reach children, families, and individuals navigating homelessness, food instability, health crises, and other challenges.
A Day Rooted in Community and Compassion
Consistent with CORA’s 
mission, the MLK Day of Service emphasized family-centered volunteerism, allowing children, parents, caregivers, and neighbors to serve side-by-side. The event offered a hands-on way to embody Dr. King’s famous reminder that “everybody can be great, because anybody can serve.”
Participants described the day as uplifting and inspiring, a powerful opportunity to connect with others while making a tangible impact.
Carrying Forward Dr. King’s Legacy
“Our commitment to strengthening the community and helping children and families is at the very heart of CORA’s mission,” shared Stacy Leonard, Vice President of Community Services and Good Shepherd Mediation, as she addressed the crowd. “MLK Day brings our families and partners together in compassion and service, an impactful way to honor Dr. King’s legacy.”
CORA Services extends heartfelt appreciation to everyone who volunteered, contributed supplies, or partnered with the agency to make this event possible. We hope you’ll join us next year.
Get Involved: Support CORA’s Mission Year Round
If you were inspired by the spirit of the MLK Day of Service, or if you want to deepen your connection to CORA’s work, you can get involved in a meaningful way.
👉 Contact CORA’s Advancement team to explore volunteer opportunities, partnerships, or ways your organization can join future service efforts. development@coraservices.org.
👉 Make a donation today to support CORA’s programs for children, youth, and families: https://www.coraservices.org/donate/
Your generosity helps CORA ensure that thousands of families receive the support, care, and guidance they need.
About CORA Services
CORA Services, a nonprofit organization headquartered in the Fox Chase section of Northeast Philadelphia, exists to help children, youth, and families experiencing academic, emotional, or social challenges. CORA provides an array of comprehensive professional services focused on prevention, intervention, remediation, and referral assistance. In partnership with more than 250 schools throughout Philadelphia and Camden, CORA provides counseling, education, occupational therapy, speech and language services, student assistance programs, psychology services, and truancy services. CORA also offers individual and family counseling, mental health treatment, substance use services, teen/young adult pregnancy services, intensive prevention services, early intervention, after-school and summer programs, and early childhood education.
For more information, visit www.coraservices.org.
