Westchester's Serve and Learn event, designed to promote volunteerism and honor the memory of the tragic events of 9/11, drew more than 1,000 people to the Westchester County Center, County Executive Robert P. Astorino said.   

Sponsored by Westchester County government and The Volunteer Center of United Way, Serve and Learn, which took place Sept. 9, offered the chance to learn about volunteering opportunities with 120 nonprofit agencies, as well as to donate food, give blood and take part in hands-on activities.

Astorino, who spent about two hours at the event, said he was in awe of the great response.

"Volunteerism is part of the fabric of life in Westchester," he said. "To see so many of our residents – of all ages – participate was just wonderful. I thank them for their time and The Volunteer Center for all its efforts to put Serve and Learn together."

Alisa H. Kesten, executive director of The Volunteer Center, said, "We were gratified by the constant expressions of appreciation from attendees and participants for this event. Serve and Learn provided a positive boost to the spirit and a purposeful focus on action at a time when we remember those we lost with such sadness."

Those who were unable to attend still have plenty of opportunity to volunteer. Even with the turnout at the event Friday, the need for volunteers remains. Go to The Volunteer Center or call (914) 948-4452.

Here's a snapshot of the event:

· Almost 1,000 people from the general public attended, to volunteer on site or make a match with a like-minded nonprofit agency.

· About 220 representatives of nonprofit agencies met volunteers, networked and collaborated for future projects.

· There were 776 "acts of service" counted. This includes the donation of 138 units of blood – collected as part of the County Government Employee Blood Drive – and 310 thank you cards for soldiers.

· The VA Food Pantry of Montrose collected 716 food items from the public.

· Participating agencies collected names of hundreds of attendees who want to volunteer.

Support for Serve and Learn was provided by Con Edison, Chase, Key Bank, The Rollins Agency, Optimum Lightpath, Robison Oil, Whole Foods and Shleppers.

About The Volunteer Center of United Way
The Volunteer Center of United Way – an independent nonprofit organization– has been inspiring meaningful change for over 60 years. Through a variety of programs and services, The Volunteer Center encourages people from all walks of life including businesses, nonprofits, schools, families, seniors and youth to volunteer and help deliver solutions that address community needs. This past year, The Volunteer Center supported 500 nonprofit organizations by connecting more than 18,000 volunteers who contributed over 276,000 hours of service, valued by The Independent Sector at $8.5 million. For more, visit The Volunteer Center.