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By Kidango and Canopy on January 12, 2026
Media Contact:
Hillary Smith
Public and Internal Relations Manager
510.342.2190
[email protected]
www.kidango.org
FREMONT, Calif. [January 12, 2026] — Kidango and Canopy invite the community to a Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service at what will be the largest infant-toddler child care center in East Palo Alto. The Jan. 19 event will run from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at 951 O’Connor Street.
During the event, volunteers will plant 20 trees and honor civil rights icon Dr. Clarence B. Jones. The event also marks an important moment for the community as Kidango, a leading early childhood nonprofit serving more than 4,000 children, prepares to open the Kidango East Palo Alto campus this year, which will accommodate nearly 200 children.
“We are thrilled to celebrate Dr. King’s legacy,” said Kidango CEO Scott Moore. “Kidango is committed to fairness, equity, and inclusion and applies these principles every day at our child care centers, ensuring every student has access to the resources they need to succeed in kindergarten and in life. We will continue this mission in East Palo Alto.”
Organizers will honor Dr. Jones by dedicating an outdoor play area to the renowned strategist and legal advisor, who also served as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s speechwriter. Dr. Jones played a pivotal role in crafting several of Dr. King’s most influential messages, including contributions to the “I Have a Dream” speech, and has devoted his life to advancing civil rights and social justice.
For years, local organizations have come together to honor Dr. King’s legacy through hands-on acts of care. Tree planting, in particular, has become an annual tradition that symbolizes growth, stewardship, and the shared responsibility of building a healthier, more equitable environment for future generations.
“MLK Day reminds us that service is not a gesture, it is a promise we make to one another,” said Jean-Paul Renaud, Executive Director of Canopy. “When we plant trees together, we’re planting hope, dignity, and opportunity for the generations that will grow up beneath their shade. We’re proud to partner with so many in our community to build a healthier, greener, and more resilient East Palo Alto.”
This year, volunteers will not only plant trees but also participate in a community cleanup at Martin Luther King Jr. Park, helping to restore and beautify a beloved neighborhood space.
Both service efforts, supported by the City of East Palo Alto, will culminate in a community resource fair and BBQ at MLK Park, featuring local partners, family-friendly activities, and opportunities to learn about services and upcoming community initiatives.
The Day of Service is free, open to all, and will include a light breakfast. Those interested in participating should register here.
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Kidango is an early learning nonprofit and the largest childcare provider in the San Francisco Bay Area. Kidango serves low-income families across diverse communities and accommodates more than 4,000 children each day. Guided by a commitment to equity and opportunity, Kidango works to ensure every child is on a path to thrive in kindergarten and life. For more information, visit www.kidango.org.
Canopy collaborates with communities to grow and sustain equitable urban forests for all. We envision connected communities thriving within a vibrant urban forest. Through our Planting Hope campaign, we’re planting more than trees – we’re cultivating resilience, equity, and a greener future for generations to come.
