Community Volunteers Honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with Day of Service
Packaging Over 35,000 Meals for Local Families
Forest Park, IL — January 19, 2026 --
FOX 32 Chicago News
More than 200 community members gathered on January 19, 2026, to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. through a powerful day of service focused on fighting local hunger. Volunteers of all ages worked side by side to package nutritionally balanced meals of Pasta in Tomato Basil Sauce, transforming compassion into action for families in need.
In just a few hours, the group successfully produced over 35,000 meals, which were donated to the Forest Park Community Fridge and the Forest Park Food Pantry, helping ensure greater food access throughout the community.
The event was organized and hosted by the Forest Park PTO and District 91 (D91) and held at Forrest Park Middle School, where the gymnasium was transformed into a high-energy meal-packing center filled with teamwork, laughter, and purpose.
Local media joined the effort as FOX Chicago News covered the event, highlighting the community’s commitment to service and the impact of collective action.
“This event truly embodied Dr. King’s belief that everyone can be great because everyone can serve,” said event organizers. “From our youngest volunteers to our seniors, the outpouring of support and unity was inspiring and will have a lasting impact on families throughout Forest Park.”
The Forest Park Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO) and District 91 are committed to fostering strong partnerships between schools, families, and the broader community through educational support, civic engagement, and service-based initiatives that strengthen the lives of students and residents alike.
In just a few hours, the group successfully produced over 35,000 meals, which were donated to the Forest Park Community Fridge and the Forest Park Food Pantry, helping ensure greater food access throughout the community.
The event was organized and hosted by the Forest Park PTO and District 91 (D91) and held at Forrest Park Middle School, where the gymnasium was transformed into a high-energy meal-packing center filled with teamwork, laughter, and purpose.
Local media joined the effort as FOX Chicago News covered the event, highlighting the community’s commitment to service and the impact of collective action.
“This event truly embodied Dr. King’s belief that everyone can be great because everyone can serve,” said event organizers. “From our youngest volunteers to our seniors, the outpouring of support and unity was inspiring and will have a lasting impact on families throughout Forest Park.”
The Forest Park Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO) and District 91 are committed to fostering strong partnerships between schools, families, and the broader community through educational support, civic engagement, and service-based initiatives that strengthen the lives of students and residents alike.
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