On Monday, January 19, 2026, the North Hollywood community came together at the Valley Plaza Recreation Center for a meaningful and energizing MLK Jr. Day of Service hosted by the North Hollywood Northeast Neighborhood Council (NHNENC).
From the early morning light breakfast mixer to the final cleanup crew, neighbors of all ages showed up ready to serve, connect, and honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. through action.
A Morning Rooted in Purpose
The day began at 7:45 AM with a light breakfast and community sign-in, followed by a welcome program and resource fair at 8:30 AM featuring:
- A powerful MLK Jr. Legacy Reading
- Interpretative spoken word
- A Black Out Poetry activity
- A Buy Nothing NoHo gifting event that encouraged sharing and sustainability
The program grounded participants in Dr. King’s message of service, justice, and collective responsibility before heading into hands-on community work.
Community Clean-Up in Action
Volunteers participated in two clean-up opportunities at 9:00 AM and 10:30 AM, helping beautify the surrounding neighborhood and public spaces near the Valley Plaza Recreation Center. All tools were provided, and volunteer hours were validated for students and community members.
The energy was multigenerational and inspiring, with families, students, local leaders, and residents working side by side.
Special Guest: LAUSD Board Member Kelly Gonez
We were honored to welcome Kelly Gonez, LAUSD Board Member for District 6, who stopped by to support volunteers and uplift the importance of youth civic engagement, community stewardship, and school greening. LAUSD has approved over 1.2 billion dollars in greening projects thus far, and over 150 more projects are underway this year. Her presence reinforced the powerful connection between education, service, and neighborhood leadership.
Honoring Dr. King Through Service
MLK Day is not just a day off. It is a national day on — a call to action rooted in service and solidarity. Through clean-up efforts, creative expression, and resource-sharing, North Hollywood residents demonstrated what it means to live Dr. King’s values locally.
Thank you to every volunteer, partner, and neighbor who showed up with heart and purpose. Together, we continue building a cleaner, stronger, and more connected community.
