Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. will forever hold a place in the hearts of millions of people around the world. While his messages focused on the immediate need for freedom from racism, discrimination and brutality toward African Americans, Dr. King also used his platform to shed light on global poverty and the need for nations to come together to combat this epidemic. In Dr. King’s Nobel Peace Prize address in 1964 he said, “There is nothing new about poverty. What is new, however, is that we have the resources to get rid of it.”

More than 50 years later, Dr. King’s message still rings true, and unfortunately poverty, which generally leads to hunger and homelessness, continues to permeate our society. But together, we can do something about it, and honor Dr. King by making our small part of the world a better place. Even though we are closed today, you can help us end hunger and homelessness right here at home by doing one of these three things on this Day of Service and at any time:

1. Donate to our Winter Appeal here, which supports our Food Pantry, affordable housing program, clinical services, senior services and more (any amount appreciated).

2. Donate non-perishables and personal care items for our Food Pantry clients and drop off at 636 Old Post Road, M-F, 9am-4:30pm (closed on major holidays including today). Our Pantry’s most needed items list is here.

3. Purchase non-perishables and personal care items from our Amazon wish list here and have them sent directly to us.

We cannot take on this task by ourselves and are truly grateful to be part of a community that cares so deeply for its neighbors in need. Thank you  

In observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Operation Hope’s Office, Pantry and Community Kitchen will be closed January 19, 2026; the Office and Community Kitchen resume services January 20; the Pantry resumes service January 21. Please do not leave donations unattended when the Office and Community Kitchen are closed. Thank you.