UWF students engage in the nation’s largest annual day of service

9/11 Day is the nation’s largest annual day of charitable engagement. Last year, more than 47 million people across the U.S. and in 150 countries observed Sept. 11 by performing good deeds that helped others. The goal of 9/11 Day is to provide a positive way for all people to forever remember and pay tribute to the 9/11 victims, honor those that rose in service in response to the attacks and remind people of the importance of working more closely together in peace to improve our world. Many UWF students and organizations are taking this opportunity to expand their passion for volunteering.

Sari-Jai Walker, a UWF social work student and volunteer for the 2014 National Day of Service, said she appreciates the the strong communal aspect of the project.

“Not only will students be able to feel rewarded by helping others, volunteering unifies people from all different backgrounds who come together to achieve the same goal,” Walker said.

Walker said she plans to participate in the Habitat for Humanity service project, where she will help organize incoming donations. Other area opportunities for service include: the Alfred-Washburn Center, Be Ready Alliance Coordinating, or BRACE, Boys and Girls Club of Pensacola, Manna Food Pantries, Pensacola Humane Society, the Ronald McDonald House Charities and United Service Organizations, or USO.

Matthew Todd, a junior majoring in international studies, is volunteering on the service day with the Manna Food Pantry and the Boys and Girls Club. He said he has also encouraged his fraternity brothers in Sigma Alpha Mu to participate.

“This experience of volunteering gives students a chance to step outside their comfort zone and have a new perspective on volunteer work,” Todd said. “Service not only brings a sense of community, but it also gives you experience of being a leader in your community.”

For additional information please visit www.911day.org or www.uwf.edu/sept11.