SEPTEMBER 11: NATIONAL DAY OF SERVICE AND REMEMBRANCE

September 11th is a declared National Day of Service and Remembrance, and AmeriCorps teams throughout the country organized service projects with the goal of reclaiming the legacy of September 11th by offering positive tributes to those we lost and those who rose to service.

This year, in honor of the 9/11 National Day of Service and Remembrance, Serve Yavapai hosted a two-week long food drive followed by a service project in the local riparian preserve. U.S. VETS – Prescott staff came together to make generous food donations. The morning of September 11, AmeriCorps members sorted over 1,500 pounds of donated food, which was distributed to local food security programs.

Later in the afternoon, AmeriCorps members, U.S. VETS – Prescott residents and other community volunteers gathered to collect firewood from downed trees. Volunteers collected 7 cords of wood which will be donated to local families in need of fuel. While it rained the entire time, everyone continued to work hard and smile.

Ron Rice was one of the five U.S. VETS residents that participated in this project. Ron commented that it was nice to work with the younger volunteers. He was able to share his knowledge by showing other volunteers what to look for and he offered tips on how to be safe and aware of some of the dangers involved with working outdoors. Yanina Rivera, VISTA Team Leader and Events Coordinator of Serve Yavapai, was “grateful for all the veterans who came down to support our efforts at Watson Woods.”

Sarah is serving serving her second term of AmeriCorps VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America) service as the Veteran Activities Coordinator for U.S. VETS – Prescott.