The City of Norman, in collaboration with the Norman Human Rights Commission, invite community members to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on 1/16/23 by taking part in the 2023 Norman Day of Service.

The 2-part day will consist of a McFarlin Food Pantry Drive at McFarlin Memorial United Methodist Church (419 S. University Boulevard) and Park Cleanup events around the community.

FOOD PANTRY DRIVE

Organizations and individuals are welcome to contribute nonperishable items at the drive from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the atrium outside of Fenn Hall within the church. A special Kickoff event featuring words from Mayor Larry Heikkila and refreshments provided by La Baguette will occur between 9 and 11 a.m. Items needed for the pantry at this time include: Peanut Butter, Mac and Cheese, Canned Vegetables, Spaghetti, Spaghetti Sauce, Jelly. Following the drive or at a time that fits best for volunteer groups, clean-up initiatives will take place at Norman community parks.

PARK CLEANUP EVENTS

More than 50 parks are listed at https://www.signupgenius.com/go/cleanup2023 for interested volunteers to sign up for. Groups or individuals are encouraged to sign up by 1/12/23; supplies for cleanup will be provided by the City of Norman at no cost and may be picked up from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. 1/13/23 in the lobby area of Norman City Hall, 201 W. Gray. Upon pickup of supplies, parties will receive instruction on how and where to leave trash after their cleanup. Any additional cleanup supplies will be made available upon request for interested volunteers during the Day of Service Kickoff event at McFarlin Memorial United Methodist Church from 9-11 a.m.

Lake Thunderbird State Park volunteer cleanup efforts are welcome Day of Service projects also, and interested parties should contact environmental.services@normanok.gov for more information by 1/11/23. These cleanup efforts are coordinated in partnership with Keep Oklahoma Beautiful by way of donated supplies.

Other ways to give back can be researched through Americorps – the United States government agency spearheading MLK Day observations nationwide – at https://americorps.gov/newsroom/events/mlk-day.

“Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., dedicated his life to serving others and working to improve their lives in so many ways,” Mayor Heikkila said. “It is only fitting that we join hearts and hands in community service projects across our city during this special day of remembrance.”

For more information, write into publicaffairs@normanok.gov. In the case of inclement weather, participants should visit normanok.gov/news for updates.

Kind reminder that City administrative offices will be closed 1/16/23 to observe the holiday. Norman business hours will resume 1/17/23.

Full Press Release