PRESS RELEASE: Walnut Street YMCA to Host MLK Jr. Service Project: Hattie M. Phelan Community Dream Garden Cleanup

Thursday, January 16, 2025

Walnut Street YMCA to Host MLK Jr. Service Project: Hattie M. Phelan Community Dream Garden Cleanup

Wilmington, DE – In honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy of service and unity, the Walnut Street YMCA will host the Hattie M. Phelan Community Dream Garden Cleanup on Monday, January 20, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM. This special MLK Jr. Service Project invites residents to come together to celebrate Black history, strengthen community bonds, and contribute to the beautification of Wilmington.

Anesha Law, Community Executive Director of the Walnut Street YMCA, expressed her excitement about the meaningful work being done alongside local youth, stating, “I’m thrilled to join the kids for this special MLK volunteer project. Beautifying the Hattie M. Phelan Community Dream Garden is more than a project – it’s an opportunity to nurture a space with incredible potential, right in the heart of our city. We are committed to teaching the kids the importance of working together to keep the garden clean, vibrant, and full of life for the community to enjoy.

Sponsored by 3rd District Council Member Zanthia Oliver, this initiative not only honors Dr. King’s vision of collective action but also pays tribute to Hattie M. Phelan, a dedicated advocate for community enrichment. Volunteers will help clean and restore the Dream Garden, ensuring it remains a vibrant space for reflection, learning, and growth.

Councilwoman Oliver encourages all residents to take part, emphasizing the power of community-driven efforts.

“Dr. King taught us that ‘everybody can be great because everybody can serve.’ This cleanup is more than just an event—it’s a testament to the strength, pride, and history of our community. When we come together, we not only beautify our surroundings but also inspire future generations to care for the spaces that tell our stories.”

All are welcome to participate in this day of service. Volunteers are encouraged to bring gloves, comfortable clothing, and a commitment to making a difference.

For more information, contact the Walnut Street YMCA at 302-472-9622.

###

MEDIA CONTACT:
Yesenia Taveras
Director of Communications, Wilmington City Council
Office: (302)576-2585
Mobile: (302)757-5748
Email: ytaveras@wilmingtonde.gov
City Council Website: www.wilmingtoncitycouncil.com