Around Anniversaries of Hurricane Katrina and 9/11
(Washington, DC) Organizations and volunteers throughout the country are undertaking numerous service projects to commemorate the first anniversary of Hurricane Katrina and the fifth anniversary of the September 11 attacks, according to the Corporation for National and Community Service.
More than 550,000 Americans traveled over the past year to the Gulf region to volunteer in hurricane recovery efforts, according to Corporation, which is compiling statistics on the massive volunteer response to the disaster. Because hurricane recovery is far from complete, the agency has launched the “Serve to Remember. Remember to Serve,” campaign, to encourage Americans to continue traveling to the Gulf region on volunteer projects and to serve within their own communities.
“The volunteer response to both these tragic events was awe-inspiring,” said David Eisner, CEO of the Corporation for National and Community Service. “In times of need, Americans truly come together to help each other out. Volunteers have had a significant impact on the pace of the recovery efforts in the Gulf States, and their continued service is greatly needed.”
These are some of the hundreds of projects scheduled in honor of the anniversaries:
Louisiana and Mississippi – August 28 – September 11, 2006
Event Details - AmeriCorps*National Civilian Community Corps (AmeriCorps*NCCC) members will support long-term recovery activities, including mucking out homes, coordinating activities of local volunteers, and offering referral services to people seeking disaster assistance in Chalmette, Abbeville, Cameron Parish, Violet, and New Orleans, La., and in Biloxi, Miss. The members will also serve with Habitat for Humanity in Thibodaux, as well as supporting gleaning projects and food distribution in Lincoln, Mass. Location – multiple locations.
Sevier County, UT – September 5 - 11, 2006
Event Details – Six County RSVP will partner with the Central Utah Regional Citizen Corps Council and the Sevier County Sheriff’s Office to participate in a service project commemorating the anniversary of 9-11. Activities will be held throughout the County to distribute brochures explaining Family Emergency Plans and assist in the preparation and teaching of a CERT course. Location – multiple locations.
Mandeville, LA – September 11, 2006
Event Details – VoA RSVP of St. Tammany Parish is planning a food drive on 9/11. The dramatic increase in the Parish has increased the demand for food items post-Katrina. The food will be donated to VoA for Health Services Support. Location – multiple locations.
Charleston, SC – September 11, 2006
Event Details – Employees of a large corporation will work with the American Red Cross and RSVP to stuff 150 Comfort Dolls that have been made by Senior Corps volunteers. The dolls will be given to children by area hospitals and Disaster caseworkers when they are found to be in a stressful situation. Location – TBD.
For more information on any of these events and/or to arrange interviews please contact Siobhan Dugan at (202) 606-6707.
The Corporation for National and Community Service improves lives, strengthens communities, and fosters civic engagement through service and volunteering. Providing service opportunities for millions of Americans of all ages and backgrounds, Corporation programs include Senior Corps, AmeriCorps, and Learn and Serve America. For more information, visit the the Corporation's website.