Westchester Prepares To Recall 9/11 With Day Of Volunteering

WESTCHESTER COUNTY, N.Y. -- To commemorate the 9/11 National Day of Service and Remembrance, Westchester County government and The Volunteer Center of United Way will join together to present "9/11: Serve & Remember," a series of more than 25 service events and activities organized by area nonprofit organizations during the week of Sept. 3-11.

Volunteers helped cut vines at the Edith G. Read Wildlife Sanctuary in Rye as part of last year's 9/11: Serve & Remember, presented by Westchester County government and The Volunteer Center of United Way.
Photo Credit: *Contributed*

by The Daily Voice

08/23/2013 5:00 a.m.

"Volunteering is one of the best ways to honor the victims and families affected by the tragic events of 9/11 and to pay tribute to our first responders and other heroes," said County Executive Robert Astorino in a prepared statement. "There are volunteer opportunities across the county that are suitable for people of all ages who want give back. I encourage people to sign up now on the website of The Volunteer Center."

Detailed information is available here and early registration is encouraged.

"As an agency devoted to increasing volunteerism in Westchester and our surrounding communities, we see this as a wonderful opportunity for people of all ages and interests to join together in service to build a permanent and positive legacy that rekindles the spirit of unity that followed the tragic events of Sept. 11," said Alisa Kesten, executive director of The Volunteer Center in a prepared statement. "The Volunteer Center will help connect individuals to activities that match their interests."

The culmination of "9/11: Serve & Remember" week is a day of activity starting at 7 p.m. at Kensico Dam Plaza in Valhalla, the site of Westchester's 9/11 memorial, "The Rising." There, visitors can donate new and gently used soccer balls, footballs and baseballs that will be used by U.S. troops abroad. Children and adults also can create word and math flashcards that will be donated to local schools and after-school programs. Donation booths and volunteer activities will take place from noon to 6:45 p.m.

There also will also be a blood drive Sept. 11 at the Westchester County Center, 198 Central Ave., White Plains.

Other service projects during the nine-day event include:

Creating an American flag for the five senses with developmentally disabled adults at Richmond Community Services in Yonkers.
Removing vines from trees at Franklin D. Roosevelt State Park in Yorktown Heights.
Blood and food drives.
Veteran and military outreach.
Helping at a soup kitchen.
Painting and restoration work.
Sorting and packaging clothing for those in need.

Times and dates will be posted on the county's website as they become available.

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