I’m sure you can remember exactly where you were when you found out about 9/11. I was sitting on a picnic table outside of my barracks in Twentynine Palms, California. It had only been two weeks since I had arrived to my new duty station as a Corpsman in the Navy and I was waiting for a friend to walk to the hospital where we worked. He told me about the first strike, and we rushed over to the hospital. We entered the emergency room entrance watched the second plane hit the twin towers from the TV in the waiting area. I remember feeling the weight of what happened. These civilians paid the ultimate sacrifice without ever having signed on the dotted line. Listed below are ways to volunteer and serve in your community on September 11, National Day of Service and Remembrance in Lake County by volunteering.
One year after the attacks, the non-profit group My Good Deed organized 9/11 Day and worked hard to obtain formal recognition of National Day of Service and Remembrance. The group’s hope is to inspire people to pay it forward every year as a tribute to those who lost their lives during the attacks and those who rose up in service after.
Where to volunteer for National Day of Service and Remembrance in Lake County
- Tractors for Charity Annual Event
Stade’s Farm, 3709 Miller Road, McHenry | (815) 675-6396
10 September, 10:00 a.m. – 6:oo p.m.
This tractor show has antique tractors, trucks and more and is FREE. The Truck and Tractor Pull is on Saturday and Sunday and has an entrance fee, which goes straight to two charities: F.I.S.H. Food Pantry of McHenry and Feed My Starving Children.
- The Precious Gift of Hope Foundation Skills Competition
Libertyville Sports Complex, 1950 US Route 45, Libertyville | (847) 367-1502
22 September, 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
This fun event is sure to be something you will be talking about around the dinner table for a while afterwards! Enjoy a kickball competition and other games for parents and kids to play, all the while knowing that your $10 is going to a charity that helps single mothers with college tuition.
- Feed My Starving Children
Aurora, Libertyville and Schaumburg
Libertyville location: 742 E Park Ave, Libertyville | (847) 984-3846
Volunteer days and hours vary.
If you’re looking for something to do on a regular basis with your family, or with a group, this is a great option here in Lake County and the surrounding suburbs. Families, corporate groups and singles all flock to this faith-based company that provides pre-packaged food to starving children in countries around the world. My family and I went on a Thursday night and I was able to book our slot that day. Our family alone helped pack four boxes of meals, and we had a blast doing it! Music filled the air and competitions against other groups made it a super fun experience for everyone in the family. Leave the littles home if they’re under five, and check their website for more details before booking a group of kids.
If your child wants to tackle an event themselves (with your help of course!), consider creating and holding an event to raise money for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Your child picks the theme (talent show, coin drive, walk-a-thon, etc.) and with the help of the Make-A-Wish Foundation, the event comes to fruition. This is a great option for teens to show leadership on a college application, or if your child is giving-natured and enjoys organizing events.
If your kids are in school and you’re willing to volunteer on your own, check out the 9/11 National Day of Service website to find administrative positions, opportunities to serve at a hospice, and even positions working with animals. Just type in your zip code, add a keyword and you’ll have plenty of options for donating your time and skills. Not able to donate your time but still want to help? All of the volunteer organizations listed above accept monetary donations.
Where have your volunteered in Lake County on 9/11?
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