This past weekend marked the beginning of, not only the 9/11 Day of Service and Remembrance, but also the Day to Serve multi-state initiative (Sept. 9-Oct. 10). Organizations, including Virginia’s AmeriCorps programs, kicked off the month-long service event by hosting and participating in projects from food pantry collections to park cleanups. In Arlington, the Aspire! Afterschool Learning AmeriCorps program organized and collected food items for the Arlington Food Assistance Center. In Danville, The Dan River Year AmeriCorps program organized a donation drive to assist the victims of Hurricane Harvey. And in Richmond, more than 100 individuals attended a 9/11 memorial event hosted by the City of Richmond followed by 20 service projects including cleaning up roadways and parks, washing and detailing police vehicles, and assembling literacy kits. See photos from these and many more projects. Day to Serve is a unique annual initiative that transcends political and religious differences. It unites people of all faiths, races, cultures, and backgrounds with the shared goal of helping those in need and improving the communities where we live. The initiative began in 2012 as a collaboration between the governors of MD, VA, WV and the mayor of DC. They set aside political differences and worked together to feed the hungry and improve their communities. They invited all citizens, faith groups, businesses and community organizations to join the cause. They encouraged the creativity of individuals, families, groups and communities to meet the needs that they saw in their own backyards. Day to Serve is just getting started! There are nearly 100 volunteer opportunities available in virtually every part of Virginia. Find a volunteer opportunity near you at http://www.daytoserve.org/map.