The City of Fishers is inviting residents to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. through service and community involvement as part of its 2026 MLK Jr. Day observance, highlighted by a citywide food drive and several volunteer opportunities.
With local food pantries facing increased demand and reduced supplies following the holidays, Fishers will host a community-wide food drive on Monday, Jan. 19, Martin Luther King Jr. Day. City officials say the effort is designed to reflect Dr. King’s message of kindness and service while addressing a growing local need. Last year, Fishers residents donated approximately 30,000 pounds of food, and organizers hope to surpass that total this year.
Residents are encouraged to donate food or volunteer their time during the drive. Volunteer shifts are available at Kroger locations in Fishers on Jan. 19, including from 10 a.m. to noon and from noon to 2 p.m. at Kroger stores located at 7272 Fishers Crossing Drive and 11700 Olio Road.
Food donations will be accepted in advance from Monday, Jan. 5, through Friday, Jan. 16, at several locations, including Fishers City Hall, the Fishers YMCA, and the Fishers Community Center. On MLK Day itself, donations will be collected from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Kroger stores at 9799 E. 116th Street, 11700 Olio Road, and 7272 Fishers Crossing Drive.
For those unable to donate in person, the city is also offering online giving options through Amazon and Walmart wish lists. Requested items include nonperishable foods such as canned beans, fruits, meats and soups, boxed pasta, peanut butter, cereal, meal cups, snack bars, and breakfast items. Glass containers are not accepted.
In addition to the food drive, Fishers residents can participate in other service-oriented activities connected to the MLK holiday. On Saturday, Jan. 17, volunteers can help plant onion seeds at the Fishers AgriPark, Strengthened by IU Health. The planting will take place from 9:30 to 11 a.m. inside the heated AgriPark barn, with space limited.
Fishers Parks is also offering a creative way to honor Dr. King through its annual “I Have a Dream” yard sign activity. Residents can stop by the Fishers Parks headquarters to create a free, customized yard sign using provided materials. The drop-in activity does not require registration, and signs will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Details and hours are available at FishersParks.com.
The City of Fishers thanked its community partners, including Good Samaritan Network, Memory Ventures, and Kroger, for supporting this year’s MLK Jr. Day activities.