Milestone 9/11 National Day of Service Will be Held

WESTCHESTER – In honor of those whose lives were lost or forever changed by the tragic events of September 11, 2001, Westchester County Executive George Latimer and Volunteer New York! will join as hosts of the 11th annual “9/11: Serve + Remember” event taking place throughout our area from Thursday, Sept. 9–Sunday, Sept. 12.

“This year’s 20th anniversary serves a grim reminder of the nation’s darkest day, but it also reminds us of how thousands came together afterward, helping each other, comforting each other and rising through tragedy. We encourage everyone to participate to honor the lives lost and pay tribute to the first responders who saved lives and continue to battle illnesses acquired from that day,” said County Executive George Latimer.

Online registration is now open for individuals, groups, and families. To sign up or learn more visit www.volunteernewyork.org/service Advanced registration is required for all 9/11 Day service opportunities.

“For over 10 years we’ve given thousands of community members a way to take part in the National 9/11 Day Movement. Each year built on the solemn legacy of the last,” said Jeanette Gisbert, Volunteer New York! Executive Director. “We encourage all past and potential volunteers to join us this September in the spirit of remembrance and resilience. If ever a time to show unity, the time is now.”

This year’s 20th Anniversary Day of Service events will include two special large-scale park cleanup projects on Saturday, September 11 at Tibbets Brook Park in Yonkers and Croton Point Park in Croton-on-Hudson thanks to a partnership with Westchester Parks Foundation.

Erin Cordiner, Director of Philanthropy & Community Engagement, Westchester Parks Foundation, said “Parks have the power to transform lives, shape lives, and preserve memories. We are proud to stand with Westchester County and Volunteer New York to mark the 20th Anniversary of 9/11 and encourage residents to sign up to help us honor the anniversary and improve the quality of life in our community.”

Additional support from local businesses, has made it possible for hundreds of community members to serve on 9/11 Day in meaningful ways—from participating in a free Volunteer Equity Webinar to volunteering to support deployed service members, children in local hospitals, and youth education and literacy.

All projects on Sunday, September 12 will take place at either a New Rochelle Volunteer Hub at IONA College or a Valhalla Volunteer Hub at Westchester Community College. Please review online opportunity description to find out if a project is family-friendly or has requirements, like wearing a mask.

For all project or volunteer shifts, wearing a mask is mandatory or subject to the latest CDC guidelines.

Thursday, Sept. 9 at 7 p.m.
* Free Webinar: Volunteering with Equity in Mind (Virtual)
* * All volunteers are encouraged to participate in live event
* * The last 18 months have shined a light on the glaring inequalities between those that have and those that have not. Join Charles Curtis, Volunteer New York! Community Outreach Manager, for a live presentation of the original Volunteer New York! webinar, “Volunteering with Equity in Mind” where we will share volunteer tips on how best to advocate for those in our community and bridge the gap between those we serve and those who serve.

Saturday, Sept. 11
* Croton Point Park Cleanup Event (Croton-on-Hudson)
* * Coordinated in partnership with Westchester Parks Foundation
* * Shifts: 9 a.m. – 11 a.m.* / noon – 2 p.m.
* Tibbets Brook Park Cleanup Event (Yonkers)
* * Coordinated in partnership with Westchester Parks Foundation
* * Shifts: 9 a.m. – 11 a.m. / noon – 2 p.m.

Sunday, Sept. 12
* Westchester Community College (Valhalla Volunteer Hub)
* * Create Fleece Blankets for Children in Local Hospitals
* * * Supports Westchester-Rockland Project Linus
* * * Shifts: 10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.* / noon – 2 p.m.*
* Create Literacy Kits for Elementary Students
* * Supports Youth Literacy
* * Shifts: 10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.* / noon – 2 p.m.*
* Create Inspiring Cards for Deployed Service Members
* * Supports United for the Troops
* * Shifts: 10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.* / noon – 2 p.m.*
* IONA College (New Rochelle Volunteer Hub)
* * Create Fleece Blankets for Children in Local Hospitals
* * * Supports Westchester-Rockland Project Linus
* * * Shifts: 10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.* / noon – 2 p.m.*
* Create Literacy Kits for Elementary Students
* * Supports Youth Literacy
* * Shifts: 10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.* / noon – 2 p.m.*
* Create Inspiring Cards for Deployed Service Members
* * Supports United for the Troops
* * Shifts: 10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.* / noon – 2 p.m.*