BELLINGHAM - People are being encouraged to donate new clothes, diapers and baby food as part of the second annual Poverty Action March and Essential Needs Drive honoring Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy of social justice and equal opportunity.

People can drop off donations of essential items through Jan. 18 at three locations in Bellingham:

- Whatcom Volunteer Center, 725 N. State St.

- Community Food Co-op, 1220 N. Forest St.

- Whatcom Peace & Justice Center, 1220 Bay St.

Other essential items being sought during the second annual drive include laundry soap and toiletries as well as canned and dried goods.

Items also can be brought to Bellingham High School, 2020 Cornwall Ave., on Martin Luther King Day on Jan. 21.

That's the day community members will gather for a breakfast and speakers at the high school at 10 a.m. A march, which begins at the high school and goes past City Hall, follows at 11 a.m.

The event is being organized by colleges and social service providers in Whatcom County. For details, call Janet Marino, executive director of the Peace & Justice Center, at 360-734-0217.

Reach KIE RELYEA at kie.relyea@bellinghamherald.com or call 715-2234.