Volunteer New York!'s annual 9/11: Serve + Remember community-wide day of service honors those we lost with three days of service projects—and volunteers are needed to help.
Whether you were there in person, saw it on TV, or learned about it in the classroom, September 11, 2001, is a day we must never forget. Help us remember the fallen by doing good in their memory and lifting up our communities. There are over a dozen family-friendly volunteer opportunities to support local nonprofits and causes.
Friday, September 8: Feed the Funnel
Organization Served: Feeding Westchester
Ages: 18+; 16+ with an adult
When: Friday, September 8 from 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. & 1-2:30 p.m.
Location: Monroe College, New Rochelle
Working in teams, volunteers will pack 50,000 meals for the New Rochelle community. Roles include adding the ingredients to the meal bags, weighing bags to ensure accuracy, heat-sealing the bags, places the bags into boxes, and refilling supplies. Volunteers will need to be able to stand for the project; hair must be covered in a hairnet and please leave all jewelry at home.
Saturday, September 9: Park Beautification Projects
Organization Served: Various organizations
Ages: See each project for age requirements
When: Saturday, September 9 from 9:30 a.m.-12 p.m. & 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Location: Throughout Westchester and Rockland Counties
Volunteers will visit one of seven local farms, parks, or open spaces and get their hands dirty to restore these areas! Tasks include building a greenhouse and setting up for an outdoor dinner party, weeding invasive vines and planting native plants, and wildflowers, harvest fresh farm produce, and help clean up litter from a local park beach. Volunteers should wear closed-toe shoes, clothes that can get dirty, sunblock and hats as well as bring a water bottle to stay hydrated.
Monday, September 11: Family-Friendly Activities
Organization Served: Various organizations
Ages: See each project for age requirements
When: Monday, September 11 at 12 p.m., 2 p.m., & 4:30 p.m.
Location: Westchester County Center, White Plains
Volunteers can sign up for family-friendly activities to benefit local nonprofit organizations. Projects include creating no-sew fleece blankets for children in shelters and hospitals, assembling laundry sachets for neighbors experiencing homelessness, creating literacy kits (complete with a stuffed animal!) for children, and making cards for servicemen and women overseas. You can also sign up to donate blood and learn hands-only CPR!
There are multiple projects available, including late-afternoon shifts for those coming home from work or school.