Michigan volunteers participate in Sept. 11 projects

Thousands of Michigan residents volunteered as part of the September 11th National Day of Service and Remembrance to commemorate the 15th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. The nationwide effort pays tribute to and honors the victims and heroes of that day.

The Michigan Community Service Commission (MCSC) supported 10 projects across the state. Michigan organizations led projects that focused on disaster and emergency preparedness and supported veterans, military families and first responders.

The projects engaged nearly 1,500 volunteers in more than 5,000 volunteer hours, benefitting more than 7,000 Michigan residents.

 “We are proud to help spread the spirit of service throughout Michigan on 9/11,” MCSC Executive Director Ginna Holmes said. “Though volunteering, residents were able to make a difference in communities and help improve the lives of others.”

Student Leadership Services organized Sept. 11 projects in its different chapters in eight different schools. Students at Waterford Mott High School kicked off their project distributing disaster and emergency preparedness information to classmates.

 “We really care about the students here. We want no injuries. No chaos. We want everyone to be safe,” said junior Benjamin Goss.

The students plan to continue pushing the message of safety throughout September and October with classroom presentations, an art project and a trivia game.

“Students need to realize they are not invincible. They need to be ready and understand,” said senior Gavin Walker.

Student Leadership Services program director Dawn Flood expects the projects to engage 400 volunteers and reach 6,000 students.

In Pigeon, 420 Laker Elementary School students had the opportunity to engage with 15 local first responders. Students were able to learn about the first responder’s service and ask questions. Local police, firefighters and health care officials also read “hero” books to the children. The project also included distributing fire alarms, CO2 detectors, flashlights and first aid kits to families.

The project concluded with a “parade of heroes.”

“The students gave thousands of high fives as the local heroes walked their way through Kindergarten through fifth grade,” said Laker Elementary Principal Kathy Dickens. “Even our Pre-school and HeadStart students joined in!”

In Sault Ste. Marie, 42 students led a project that provided 20 "thrive" kits to help the homeless and those in poverty, 10 "survive" kits were assembled for the elderly. The students also learned lessons on revolving around disaster relief and exposure to various agencies addressing poverty.

• A total of 120 students working with TrueNorth Community Services in Fremont, heard presentation from local veterans and first responders and also put together goody bags for members of the military.
• The Foster and Adoptive Parent Training Coalition of Southeast Michigan helped Lenawee County families develop emergency plans and assembled emergency kits.
• Volunteers at the South Oakland Shelter in Lathrup Village and volunteers assembled 60 emergency kits for families.
• In Hastings, volunteers with Barry County United Way & Volunteer Center helped families put together an emergency family binder

MCSC is partnering with YSA, Save the Children, Corporation for National & Community Service, and 9/11 Day to support the 9/11 projects.