Westchester’s Nine Days of Volunteerism
To commemorate the 9/11 National Day of Service and Remembrance, Westchester County government and The Volunteer Center of United Way have again joined together to present “9/11: Serve & Remember,” more than 25 service events and activities, organized by area nonprofit organizations Sept. 3-11.
“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 P. Astorino. “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 Web site of The Volunteer Center.”
Detailed information is available at www.volunteer-center.org/service2013 and early registration is encouraged.
Alisa H. Kesten, executive director of The Volunteer Center, said: “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. 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 at Kensico Dam Plaza in Valhalla, on Sept. 11, 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 (through the nonprofit Let’s Play It Forward, Inc.); and children and adults 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 will also be a blood drive on Sept. 11 at the Westchester County Center.
Westchester County’s formal memorial ceremony will take place Sept. 11 at The Rising beginning at 7 p.m. The public is invited to attend.
Adam has worked in the local news industry for the past two decades in Westchester County and the broader Hudson Valley. Read more from Adam’s author bio here.