Message from Deputy Mayor Ellen Zimmerman | January 10, 2025

On Monday, Jan. 20, Scotch Plains residents will join together to remember, learn, and give time to the community as part of the township’s 16th-annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. (MLK) Day of Service.

The Day of Service has evolved over the years into a call for action – asking all of us to further embrace the mantle of kindness and compassion the great civil rights leader left behind for us. 

I have been amazed watching this event grow over the past 16 years through the tireless efforts of volunteers from the Scotch Plains/Fanwood Ministerium, Social Justice Matters, the Fanwood-Scotch Plains YMCA and the JCC of Central New Jersey. I also want to applaud the three event co-chairs: Amanda Barnett, Michelle Shapiro Abraham and Courtney Agnello.

Local events taking place throughout Scotch Plains directly reflect these principles, encouraging residents to take a more active role in contributing to the greater good on Jan. 20 and every other day of the year.

Beginning at 10 a.m., the opening ceremony, to be held this year at the JCC, 1391 Martine Ave., will feature a performance from our Community Choir, inspiring words and teachings from community leaders, as well as the presentation of the Scotch Plains-Fanwood MLK Day of Service Award.

I encourage you to volunteer at one of the many events taking place over six hours at the JCC, as well as at other locations in Scotch Plains and Fanwood. All opportunities are designed to enhance the lives of our community members in need.

The Summit Health “Cram the Cart” Collection, for example, will accept donations of food items, such as healthy snack foods, to give to patients being treated for cancer at Summit Health.  There’s also the “Moms Helping Moms Diaper Drive” at the Goddard School in Fanwood. 

Another opportunity is to help the FSP Rotary Club collect winter hats and gloves for children 6-18. These donations will ensure hundreds of kids in our community stay warm even during the coldest days of winter.

The Bridges Outreach program will also be present at the JCC. You can help them serve the homeless by working alongside other volunteers to assemble care kits and cheer cards. These items will be brought to Newark and handed out to those in need throughout the year.

Visit the Day of Service’s website here for a full list of volunteer opportunities.  I’m sure there is something perfect for you.  Please note all children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult at activities; you can learn more by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

By actively engaging in such simple charitable service, Scotch Plains residents can make a tangible difference in the lives of others and contribute to the betterment of our community. And just as importantly, days like this serve as an inspiration to our young men and women who we hope will one day grow to be civic leaders.

When we remember the important teachings of Dr. King, we remember what it means to be not just a great town, but also a great community.