Community Corner

Volunteer Locally to Remember 9/11

The Volunteer Center of United Way has a growing list that includes volunteer opportunities in Yorktown, Brewster, Mount Kisco and elsewhere.

Written by Liz Young

You have the opportunity to volunteer this year to remember Sept. 11.

Westchester County and the Volunteer Center of United Way have teamed up for an event called "9/11: Serve and Remember," which will have more than 25 service events and activities to get involved in through local nonprofits Sept. 3 through 11, according to a county press release.

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Volunteer Center Executive Director Alisa Kesten said there will be activities for anyone who wants to participate in some way.

"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," Kesten said in a statement. "The Volunteer Center will help connect individuals to activities that match their interests."

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Remove harmful vines from trees in Yorktown, serve in a soup kitchen in Brewster, volunteer at the Grange Fair, help Support Connection fight cancer by distributing flyers in your neighborhood, help beautify ARC of Westchester's space in Mount Kisco. 

Other projects include creating an American flag for the five senses with developmentally disabled adults, food drives, veteran and military outreach, literacy advocacy and sorting and packaging clothing for those in need.

For more information or to sign up, visit the Volunteer Center website.

The last day of service will be held at Kensico Dam Plaza in Valhalla, where Westchester's 9/11 memorial "The Rising" is located, on Sept. 11 from noon to 6:45 p.m. 

Visitors will be able to donate new and gently used soccer balls, baseballs and footballs to be used by United States troops abroad through Let's Play It Forward, Inc. Children and adults will also be able to create word and math flashcards to donate to local schools, according to the release.

A blood drive will also be held Sept. 11 at the Westchester County Center.

County Executive Robert Astorino said the event is a way to remember.

"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," Astorino said in a released statement. "There are volunteer opportunities across the county that are suitable for people of all ages who want give back."



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