MLK Day of Service 2026 💙

Thanks to the 100+ volunteers who hugged our hood on MLK Day of Service!

Volunteers working at the Peace Gardens

MLK Day of Service 2026 was a powerful day: more than 100 volunteers showed up to HUG our hoods in the Burton Street Community and the South Asheville Cemetery. 

Days like this remind us what community looks like: people choosing each other and doing the real work side by side. “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.” — Martin Luther King Jr.

Thank you all for putting love in action! 💗💪🏼 Watch this short video that captures some of the highlights of a wonderful day.

“My daughter loved being around her friends and community. While we helped take leaves in the Peace Garden, we also watched a gun barrel transform into a trowel and tool heads, and did some collage-making inside the community center. It was really special to see all of the projects people were working so hard on.” 

~ Shannon, volunteer

Volunteers at the South Asheville Cemetery

Thanks to our partners and friends who came together to host activities and offer support! The UNCA Steam Studio worked on building a kiosk at the community center alongside our workforce development participants. Asheville Creative Arts held fun crafts for kids, and RiverLink brought a big group to clean up the pocket garden on Florida Ave.

Blissful Wizard held a 15-minute "Ask Me Anything" health and wealth coaching session; Scotty from Raw Tools made garden tools from surrendered firearms; Counter Culture Coffee donated 20 gallons of coffee; and Amanda volunteered to take photos at the cemetery.

Finally, Asheville Young Professionals brought a big, fun group!

Thank you to everyone who made this possible!