There are two events early in the new year—one in Kennett Square and one in Oxford—that focus on strengthening the community. So if one of your goals for 2018 is to become more involved in the community, either of these events would be a great place to start.

The Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Breakfast will take place at the Red Clay Room in Kennett Square on Monday, Jan. 15. This is the 17th installment of the annual event. The keynote speaker is Bishop Dwayne D. Royster, the political director of the People Improving Communities Through Organization National Network and the former executive director of the POWER (Philadelphians Organized to Witness, Empower, and Rebuild) organization. A 90-member MLK CommUNITY Choir will also perform during the breakfast, which sets the stage for a day of volunteer service with many of the nonprofit organizations that work year-round to serve the residents in the area.

This day of service perfectly captures the spirit of the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Proceeds from the breakfast support college scholarships for students graduating from Kennett, Unionville, and Avon Grove, as well as students currently attending Lincoln University. Proceeds also help fund summer camp opportunities for local children in need, as well as furthering a variety of initiatives supported by the MLK CommUNITY Board to promote equality, justice, and peace in the community.

In Oxford, the 28th annual Spirit of Giving Luncheon takes place at noon on the same day, Jan. 15, at the Penn's Grove Middle School Cafeteria. All proceeds from the Spirit of Giving Luncheon support the Oxford Area Neighborhood Services Center, which has been helping to provide nutritious food, financial assistance for housing, heating, utility services, and health care assistance to families and individuals in need for nearly 50 years.

The local community is strengthened by events like the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Breakfast and the Spirit of Giving Luncheon, and by the nonprofit organizations and other activities that are helped by them.