9/11 Day Volunteer Projects

Michiganders make impact on 9/11 Day of Service

In honor of the 9/11 Day of Service and Remembrance, the Michigan Community Service Commission funded 14 volunteer projects took place last month to support veterans, seniors, youth, and critical community needs throughout the state. These projects engaged more than 2,000 volunteers in nearly 13,000 service hours. The Michigan Community Service Commission issued nearly $10,750 in grants ranging from $100 to $1,000 to support these efforts.

Natalie, a youth leader at My Sister’s Keeper in Highland Park, said whether it’s on a day to honor those lost on Sept. 11, 2001, or another day, she wants to encourage others to give back to their communities.

“It doesn’t take much to give back. You can do something small,” Natalie said.

“If you serve your community, your community will serve you.”

Youth volunteers with My Sister’s Keeper and My Brother’s Keeper created resources to educate about environmental stewardship and health. The resources provided education on air and water quality, food waste, mold, and other environmental health concerns. Volunteers also gave air purifiers and Brita water filters to veterans at the Veterans Hospital in Detroit.

“It’s a blessing to see young people that understand service,” said a veteran who received an air purifier from the service project. 

“[Service] teaches who we are and where we came from, and the love and respect we should have for each other.”

Volunteers with Kalasho Education and Youth Services in Warren made cards for community members. 

“As we honor the bravery of our frontliners, our students are reminded of the power of kindness and care,” said Sumaiya Ahmed Sheikh, the executive director of Kalasho.

“Our students are learning that healing and strength come from supporting one another.”

Macomb Foster Closet hosted a community Mom2Mom sale in partnership with the MCREST homeless shelter in Mount Clemens. Volunteers helped provide clothing and other necessities to low-income individuals and families.

But Kevin McAlpine, the board chair at Macomb Foster Closet, said the event was about more than just the items.

“It was about dignity, relief, and hope for moms who are doing their very best under challenging circumstances,” McAlpine said.

“On a day of remembrance like 9/11, it was powerful to witness generations coming together to honor the past by lifting up children and families in need today."  

Community Health Awareness Group (CHAG) of Detroit volunteers distributed 100 bagged lunches, 100 hygiene kits, 100 sleeping bags, and 100 blankets to community members. Christian Lewis, the group facilitator, said the project is about more than giving.

“The 9/11 Day of Service is a powerful reminder of how unity and compassion can transform lives,” Lewis said.

“To serve on a day of remembrance is to honor the past, uplift the present, and build a stronger future together.”

Other impact includes:

• Students in the Bloomfield Hills School District harvested crops at Forgotten Harvest, packed 16,000 pounds of food at Gleaners, and beautified the grounds of The Children’s Center. Volunteers also prepared the boutique at The Children’s Center so families in need can shop for basics like food and household supplies.
• Youth volunteers with United Way of Bay County made cards and tie blankets for veterans, assembled personal hygiene kits, and sorted through donations for a homeless shelter.
• Students in the Lenawee Intermediate School District participated in the “Chalk the Walk” project at Gaslight Village Assisted Living in Adrian. The project allowed students to create art and write kind messages to the residents.
• Volunteers at St. Patrick Catholic Parish Church in Whitelake created Brian’s Bags full of essentials for the unhoused community.
• Volunteers with United Way of Genesee County cleaned over 20,000 headstones of service members, their spouses, and their dependent children at Great Lakes National Cemetery.
• Volunteers with Cass Community Social Services in Detroit helped to recycle nearly one ton of paper, relocated tiles to repurpose rather than throw away, and areas were beautified by planting native plants and pollinators.

Projects included: 

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