9/11 Day Volunteer Projects

Michiganders encouraged to volunteer for 9/11 National Day of Service 
Michigan Community Service Commission funding 14 volunteer projects across the state 

The anniversary of September 11 likely reignites feelings of grief and confusion, even 24 years after the tragedy.

But for many, the day also symbolizes hope, resilience, and togetherness. Each year, more than 30 million Americans come together for a day of service and remembrance in honor of those who lost their lives. September 11 National Day of Service and Remembrance is federally recognized and the largest service day in the U.S.

“We strongly encourage community members to volunteer, especially on a day of remembrance, because it's a powerful way to honor the spirit of unity that emerged in the aftermath of 9/11,” said Tanesha Windom from My Sister’s Keeper in Wayne County.

The Michigan Community Service Commission is calling on Michiganders to honor the legacy of 9/11 by volunteering for the National Day of Service and Remembrance. With support from the Commission, 14 local organizations will host volunteer projects addressing critical community needs – from supporting veterans and first responders to fighting food insecurity – mobilizing 2,000 volunteers to contribute more than 13,000 hours of service.  

"When we serve others, we not only strengthen our communities — we also honor the lives lost and the heroes who stepped forward on 9/11,” said Michigan Community Service Commission Executive Director Ginna Holmes. “This day is about coming together, remembering with compassion, and choosing to make a difference. We hope Michiganders will feel inspired to volunteer and stand alongside local organizations in service." 

Christian Lewis of Community Health Awareness Group in Wayne County said the organization believes that true remembrance calls for active engagement. For their 9/11 Day service project, volunteers will distribute food, hygiene and disease prevention kits to the unhoused community in Detroit.

“Volunteering on a day of remembrance allows us to honor those we have lost by investing in the lives of those still here. It transforms grief into growth and remembrance into responsibility,” Lewis said.

Lewis said their goals are health equity, empowerment, and to engage the community with their project.

St. Patrick’s Parish in Oakland County is also providing essential kits to their local unhoused community in hopes of helping veterans and others who need the items the most.

At the end of the project, Cavanaugh said they hope volunteers will take some of the kits, leave them in their cars, and hand them out when they encounter someone who is in need. Their goal is to pack 150 kits.

“We encourage our parish community to participate in this day to provide these needs for those who have fallen on hard times,” said Julie Cavanaugh.

To honor veterans who have died, and to show current service members their appreciation, volunteers with the United Way of Genesee County will clean headstones and beautify the grounds of Great Lakes National Cemetery.

Other organizations, including United Way of Bay County and Kalasho Education and Youth Services, are hoping their service projects celebrate first responders, veterans, and other service members, while also highlighting the need to advocate for mental health resources for these individuals.

“We want to bring attention to the importance of mental health and emotional well-being, ensuring that those who serve and protect us, along with the families who carry those burdens, have the support they need,” said Sumaiya Ahmed, the executive director of Kalasho Education and Youth Services.

This is just a handful of the service projects that will be held throughout the month in remembrance of the 9/11 tragedy to show the critical need for togetherness during devastation.

“The events of 9/11 changed the world as we know it,” said Diane Woodruff of United Way of Genesee County.

“For those of us who were old enough to remember the events of that day, it’s important to honor those who died, and to share their stories with younger generations.”

The Michigan Community Service Commission issued nearly $10,750 in grants ranging from $100 to $1,000.  

The grant recipients are: 

• United Way of Marquette 
• United Way of the Lakeshore - Muskegon 
• United Way of Bay County 
• United Way of Genesee County 
• Community Health Awareness Group - Detroit 
• Cass Community Social Services 
• Micah 6 Community - Pontiac 
• All Nations Christian Church - Lansing 
• My Sister’s Keeper - Highland Park 
• Boys and Girls Club of Alpena 
• Kalasho Education and Youth Services - Warren 
• St. Patrick’s Parish - White Lake 
• The Children’s Center of Wayne County 
• Macomb County Foster Closet 

Projects Related to Disasters and Community Preparedness 

Projects related to Food Security 

Project Related to Supporting Veterans and Honoring First Responders 

Project Related to Seniors and Youth