Summer may be winding down, but student volunteers are busier than ever as they ramp up for the new semester. Whether you've got community service hours to fulfill or you're looking to address your neighborhood's most pressing needs, there's no better time to kick your activism and community engagement into high gear than now.
Not sure where to get started? Try #911Day. Established to honor those whose lives were lost during the tragic events of September 11, 2001, #911Day mobilizes volunteers from all across the country in the spirit of unity, empathy, and service. Each year, Volunteer New York! memorializes #911Day with its own 9/11: Serve + Remember event, during which nearly 2,000 volunteers take part in family-friendly activities throughout the lower Hudson Valley to support their communities' needs.
There are three ways to serve during 9/11: Serve + Remember this year:
1. Attend the State of Hunger Webinar
Get informed about the food insecurity crisis facing our region by attending this webinar featuring nonprofit leaders and food insecurity experts. This free, virtual panel discussion takes place on Tuesday, September 1 from 7-8:15 p.m.—don't miss it!
2. Donate to a Food Pantry
This year's 9/11: Serve + Remember event is devoted to addressing the issue of food insecurity in our region, which has only been made worse by the coronavirus epidemic. On the morning of September 11, we're asking volunteers to collect canned goods and other nonperishable items and donate them to participating food pantries. All donations are made curbside and participants are asked to wear masks and practice social distancing to ensure the safety of both food pantry workers and volunteers donating food.
Each food pantry has its own specific wishlist of items, so be sure to find the one nearest you to see what items it needs and how you can help.
>> Find a food pantry and sign up to donate
3. Volunteer From Home
Not able to visit a food pantry? No worries. We're offering remote activities—such as making DIY face masks, writing letters to deployed service members, and creating no-sew fleece blankets—that can take place from the comfort of your own home. Volunteers who select a remote activity can pick up their kits beginning September 8.
Share This With Friends!
- Visit our official 9/11 Serve + Remember event page to view all of our #911Day projects and activities
- Share Volunteer New York!'s 9/11: Serve + Remember event on social media to show your support