Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Legacy Through Service
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. believed that meaningful change begins with everyday acts of compassion, dignity, and service to one another. In that spirit, our Annual MLK Food Drives brings the Quad Cities together to help address hunger while uplifting the values of unity, justice, and community responsibility that defined Dr. King’s life and work.
Each year, this collective effort supports local food pantries and organizations working on the front lines of food insecurity, turning shared action into lasting impact.
MLK Food Drive‑Thru Event
Wednesday, April 8 | 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
📍 WQAD News 8 Studios
Community members are invited to participate in a convenient Food Drive‑Thru on Wednesday, April 8, hosted at WQAD News 8 Studios. Donations can be dropped off throughout the day, early morning through evening, making it accessible for individuals, families, and workplaces to contribute.
This high‑visibility drive‑thru helps launch the food drive season and highlights how small acts of giving, when multiplied across a community, can create meaningful change.
Two‑Week Community Food Drive
May 6 – May 20
In addition to the drive‑thru event, a two‑week food drive will take place across the Quad Cities from May 6 through May 20. Collection sites will be available at:
- All Quad Cities Hy‑Vee grocery store locations
- Public Libraries throughout the region
- GiGi’s Playhouse
- The Arc Building
- Additional community partner locations
These extended collection opportunities allow individuals, families, organizations, and businesses to contribute at a pace and location that works best for them.
Where the Donations Go
Donations collected through the MLK Food Drive help stock food pantries that serve individuals and families experiencing food insecurity. These include:
- Local churches
- Community centers
- Salvation Army locations
- Other nonprofit and outreach partners across the Quad Cities
By working together, these organizations strengthen the safety net for thousands of neighbors who rely on pantry support throughout the year.
A Community Response to a Shared Responsibility
The MLK Food Drive is more than a seasonal collection, it is a reflection of Dr. King’s belief that communities thrive when people come together with empathy and purpose. Every bag, box, and can donated represents hope, dignity, and shared commitment to the well‑being of others.
See the Impact
At the bottom of this page, viewers can explore last year’s MLK Food Drive highlights, including:
- Total number of families helped
- Number of participating locations
- Community turnout and involvement
- Photos and moments from the events
These statistics and visuals reflect the power of collective action and show how the Quad Cities continues to answer Dr. King’s call to serve.
For additional information on how you can participate in the Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service, you can visit mlkdayofservice.
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developmental disabilities and actively supports their full inclusion and participation in the community
throughout their lifetimes.