National Day of Service and Remembrance

As the 10th anniversary of September 11 draws near Volunteer Fairfax encourages residents to volunteer as a meaningful way of honoring and remembering those touched most by the tragic events. As a community in close proximity to Washington D.C. – one city most affected by the attacks – individuals yearn to make an impact on society in order to cope with the loss and honor the memories of those fallen. Volunteering can be a memorable way of making a difference on the anniversary but also a way of uniting communities across the area. Help unite the Fairfax community by assisting several nonprofits in need of extra support on this National Day of Service and Remembrance.

To learn more about local disaster response groups, opportunities to volunteer and information regarding personal preparedness, be sure to attend the Emergency Preparedness Fair at Tysons Corner Center (in front of Macy's) on Saturday, September 10 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. A 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony will take place at 10:30 a.m.

Interested in volunteering as your tribute for 9/11? Even if you are a first-time volunteer, there are hundreds of opportunities listed through Volunteer Fairfax's VolunteerNow! database. This online database allows you to search for opportunities based on your location, interest and skills. To find an opportunity specifically during September, click "Advanced Search" and input the days of the month most convenient for you.

Below is just a sample of the hundreds of volunteer opportunities in VolunteerNow! that you can sign up for to honor the day:

Help make a clay bowl to support families in need – Northern Virginia Family Services (Sept. 9 & 23)

Service to Our Neighbors in Need – Wesley Housing Development (Sept. 10)

Cedar Ridge Community Fun Day - Shift 1 – Reston Interfaith (Sept. 10)

Cedar Ridge Community Fun Day - Shift 3 – Reston Interfaith (Sept. 10)
Habitat Restoration at Nottoway Park– Fairfax Cty Park Authority (Sept. 14)

Volunteer for a 5K to Support Chiropractic Care in Haiti - Foundation for Wellness Professionals (Sept. 17)

Kit Callahan’s Miracle Mile - Set Up – Brain Injury Services (Sept. 18)

Kit Callahan’s Miracle Mile – Event Vol – Brain Injury Services (Sept. 18)

Gardener’s Needs – Salvation Army – Washington, DC (Sept. 24)

Pohick Stream Valley Restoration Volunteers - FCPA Resource Management Division (Sept. 24)

Northern Virginia Memory Walk Volunteers - Alzheimer's Association of the National Capital Area (Sept. 25)

Make blankets for children and animals - Maddie's Blankets (on-going)

PALS Program Volunteers - Brain Injury Services, Inc. (on-going)

Food Collection and Deliveries - Our Daily Bread, Inc. (on-going)

Drawing Buddy – Pathway Homes (on-going)

Other 9/11 Day of Service and Remembrance Resource:

HandsON Greater DC Cares
This September, HandsOn Greater DC Cares (HGDCC) will pay tribute to the victims, survivors, and heroes of 9/11 by engaging 10,000 volunteers in three days of service to others across the region. Click here to learn more about the HandsOn Greater DC Cares 9/11 National Day of Service.

911Memorial.org
Follow this link to find out about The National September 11 Memorial & Museum and the World Trade Center Foundation, Inc., and how they plan to bear witness.

Serve.gov
Use the tool kit resources to turn a volunteer idea into a successful service project.

YSA.org
9 Lessons for 9/11: Engaging Youth in September 11th National Day of Service and Remembrance!

911day.org
Follow the link to post a tribute, donate to a cause and make a difference during the day.