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greenefarmerc@michigan.gov

Lansing, Michigan - The Michigan Community Service Commission has teamed with several Mid-Michigan area high schools to "tackle hunger" by collecting food at area high-school football games on Friday, September 11, the first-ever federally recognized National Day of Service and Remembrance.  The "Tackle Hunger" food drive coincides with Hunger Action Month.  According to the Food Bank Council of Michigan, more than 1.1 million people in our state use the Michigan food bank network annually.  Family members and fans attending the local high school football games are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items to donate. 

"Recognizing and remembering the victims and heroes of 9/11 through serving in the community is key," said Paula Kaiser VanDam, Executive Director, Michigan Community Service Commission. "It is our hope that this effort and others across the state will help inspire Michiganders to serve, not only today but the whole year through."

Twelve Mid-Michigan high schools are participating in the September 11th Tackle Hunger food drive: 

- Williamston vs. Perry

- Eaton Rapids vs. Charlotte

- Haslett vs. Dewitt

- Lansing Catholic vs. Corunna

- East Lansing vs. Holt

- Lansing Sexton vs. Lansing Everett

"Eight years ago, the tragic events of that Tuesday morning inspired Americans to come together in a remarkable spirit of unity and compassion," said President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama in a message urging Americans to serve on 9/11.  "In that same spirit, we call on all Americans to join in service on September 11 and honor the heroes of that dark day as well as the brave men and women in uniform who continue to protect our country at home and abroad."

September 11 marks the end of the summer phase of President Obama's United We Serve initiative and its transition to a long-term, sustained effort. The United We Serve initiative focused on five key areas: education, health, energy and the environment, community renewal, and safety and security.  It was led by the Corporation for National and Community Service, a federal agency that improves lives and strengthens communities through volunteering in service.  The efforts in our state were led by the Michigan Community Service Commission.  Each week a different opportunity was created to promote service and volunteerism by engaging members of Governor Granholm's cabinet in communities across the state. 

Michiganders responded enthusiastically to United We Serve through a number of efforts including replenishing food banks, facilitating blood drives, supporting veterans and military families, constructing affordable housing through Habitat for Humanity and providing instruction on safe Internet use. 

The September 11 National Day of Service and Remembrance is the culmination of an effort originally launched in 2002 by 9/11 family members and support groups, led by the organization MyGoodDeed , who worked to establish the service day as a way to honor those who died and to rekindle the spirit of unity and compassion that followed the attacks.  September 11 was officially recognized as a National Day of Service and Remembrance for the first time this year by the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act, passed with strong bipartisan support and signed into law by President Obama in April.

For those interested in volunteer opportunities available for September 11, information is available through www.911dayofservice.org .

BACKGROUND

The Michigan Community Service Commission builds a culture of service by providing vision and resources to strengthen communities through volunteerism.  In 2009-2010, the MCSC is granting more than $7.7 million in federal and state funds to local communities for volunteer programs and activities.  The MCSC is funding 19 AmeriCorps programs and 20 Learn and Serve programs.  The Governor's Service Awards, VIG and Mentor Michigan are also premier programs of the MCSC.  The MCSC is housed in the Michigan Department of Human Services, whose mission is to assist children, families, and vulnerable adults to be safe, stable, and self-supporting.  The Corporation for National and Community Service grants federal funding that the MCSC administers to its programs.