County Executive Robert P. Astorino and Alisa H. Kesten, executive director of The Volunteer Center of United Way, joined today with Uday Sukhatme, PhD, provost of Pace University, and Pace students in Pleasantville to write thank you notes to American soldiers and police officers.September 11th is a solemn day of remembrance for all Americans. To commemorate the 9/11 National Day of Service and Remembrance, Westchester County government and The Volunteer Center of United Way have again joined together to present "9/11: Serve & Remember," more than 25 service events and activities, organized by area nonprofit organizations Sept. 3-11.

"Volunteering is one of the best ways to honor the victims and families affected by the tragic events of 9/11 and to pay tribute to our first responders and other heroes," said County Executive Robert P. Astorino. "There are volunteer opportunities across the county that are suitable for people of all ages who want give back.  I encourage people to sign up now on the Web site of The Volunteer Center."

Detailed information is available at www.volunteer-center.org/service2013 and early registration is encouraged.

Alisa H. Kesten, executive director of The Volunteer Center, said: "As an agency devoted to increasing volunteerism in Westchester and our surrounding communities, we see this as a wonderful opportunity for people of all ages and interests to join together in service to build a permanent and positive legacy that rekindles the spirit of unity that followed the tragic events of Sept. 11. The Volunteer Center will help connect individuals to activities that match their interests."

The culmination of "9/11: Serve & Remember" week is a day of activity at Kensico Dam Plaza in Valhalla, on Sept. 11, the site of Westchester's 9/11 memorial, "The Rising." There, visitors can donate new and gently used soccer balls, footballs and baseballs that will be used by U.S. troops abroad (through the nonprofit Let's Play It Forward, Inc.); and children and adults can create word and math flashcards that will be donated to local schools and after-school programs. Donation booths and volunteer activities will take place from noon to 6:45 p.m. There will also be a blood drive on Sept. 11 at the Westchester County Center.

Westchester County's formal memorial ceremony will take place Sept. 11 at The Rising beginning at 7 p.m. The public is invited to attend.

Other service projects during the nine-day event include:

  • Creating an American flag for the five senses with developmentally disabled adults at Richmond Community Services in Yonkers;
  • Removing vines from trees at Franklin D. Roosevelt State Park in Yorktown Heights;
  • Blood and food drives;
  • Veteran- and military-outreach;
  • Helping at a soup kitchen;
  • Painting and restoration work;
  • Sorting and packaging clothing for those in need.

Times and dates will be posted on the Web site as they become available.

Participating nonprofits include: Afya Foundation in Yonkers, Arc of Westchester in Mount Kisco, Clay Art Center in Port Chester, Common Ground in Montrose, Dominican College in Blauvelt, Educated Canines Assisting with Disabilities in Dobbs Ferry, Franklin D. Roosevelt State Park in Yorktown Heights, Greenburgh Nature Center in Scarsdale, HOPE Community Services in New Rochelle, Hudson Valley Blood Services (blood drive, Westchester County Center in White Plains), Job Readiness Project, Let's Play It Forward, Inc. (collection spots at locations across Westchester), Meals-on-Wheels of White Plains, Mercy College in Dobbs Ferry, New Rochelle Public Library, Pass It On Kid's Kloset/Westchester Jewish Community Services in White Plains, Pace University in Pleasantville, Putnam Community Action Program/WestCOP, Inc. in Brewster, Richmond Community Services in Yonkers, Rye Nature Center, Family Services of Westchester's The Sharing Shelf in Port Chester, SUNY New Paltz, Support Connection, Inc. in Yorktown Heights, the White Plains YMCA, the White Plains YWCA, and Yorktown Grange #862. Detailed information on volunteer projects is available at www.volunteer-center.org/service2013.  Early registration is encouraged.

The Volunteer Center's annual community-wide call to action for the 9/11 Week of Service and Remembrance is made possible thanks to the generosity of Westchester County, United Way of Westchester and Putnam, and Corporate Champions: IBM, New York Life, PepsiCo, Con Edison, Bunge, Journal News Media Group, Mack-Cali, Robison Oil Company, Scent 2 Market, M&T Bank, Regeneron, The Rollins Agency, The Dannon Company, Chubb, Erie Insurance Company, O'Connor Davies LLP, Reader's Digest and RPW Group. 

About The Volunteer Center of United Way
Recently awarded a Top-Rated Nonprofit designation, The Volunteer Center's core mission is to inspire, mobilize, and equip individuals and groups to take positive action to address pressing challenges, support nonprofits and strengthen the quality of life in our community.  The Volunteer Center is a one-stop resource devoted to increasing volunteerism in Westchester and our surrounding communities.  We encourage adults to serve, youth to build character, families to bond, young professionals to lead, mature adults to share their wisdom and businesses to support our community. Through organized volunteer projects, as well as by connecting individuals to nonprofit organizations, The Volunteer Center helps people take action to strengthen the quality of life in their community. Over 254,000 hours of service were devoted last year to 500 nonprofits at a value of over $7.7 million. In September 2011, The Volunteer Center was designated one of ten Regional Volunteer Centers in the State of New York, covering the Mid-Hudson Valley.  For more information, visit www.volunteer-center.org.

Photo Caption: County Executive Robert P. Astorino and Alisa H. Kesten, executive director of The Volunteer Center of United Way, joined today with Uday Sukhatme, PhD, provost of Pace University, and Pace students in Pleasantville to write thank you notes to American soldiers and police officers. The event was part of the formal kick off of " 9/11: Serve & Remember," featuring more than 25 service events at area nonprofit organizations, beginning Tuesday and continuing until Sept 11.