11 Ways to Serve on 9/11

Adopt a local classroom and donate school & sanitation supplies. This back to school season is unlike any we have seen before! Educators need our support now more than ever. Check to see what supplies are needed the most and hold a donation drive to support save and creative learning!

Beautify a local park or community space – fall is a good time to plant trees and spring blooming bulbs. Fall is also the perfect time to support the monarch butterfly population by planting milkweed! Learn more about plants and pollinators from the local Wild Utah Project.

Support your local food bank. Food banks have seen an unprecedented need and could use your support. Most pantries and food banks will list their most needed items on their websites. Need help finding a local organization? Check out the Utah Nonprofits Organization’s Member Directory or search for organizations on JustServe.org.

Donate blood. Every 2 seconds someone in the United States needs blood. Each blood donation can help save as many as 3 people’s lives.
>Donate blood with the Red Cross
>Donate blood with ARUP

Spread Cheer within your own social network! Reach out to your friends and family and check in to let people know you are thinking of them.

Support your local animal shelter or rescue. Sign up to foster or volunteer or set up your own donation drive! Most shelters and rescues will list their most needed items on their website, and if not you can always reach out to make sure you can donate useful items. Want to learn more about how to host a donation drive? Check out these ideas.

Support unhoused community members. As colder weather approaches, community members will benefit from warmer clothing items such as socks, shoes, coats, and blankets. Local organizations supporting those experiencing homelessness keep up to date “wishlists” on their websites. You can search for local organizations on JustServe.org.

Become more civically engaged. Learn more about how to be an active participant in local policy making. Find out when your local city council meets and make a plan to participate!

Protect mental health. One great way to #BeKind to someone who is struggling is to #BeThere. Take 5 minutes on BeThere.org to learn how you can show up for a family member, loved one, yourself — anyone!

Reach out to isolated seniors. Foster connection with our communities’ most vulnerable members who may not be able to socialize as they once did. Send letters to local senior centers, assisted living facilities, or veterans’ organizations. Support social connections with these Ideas to Maintain Social Connections Between Generations. Contact your local Meals on Wheels to learn ways to volunteer.

Show gratitude for essential workers. Let our essential workers know we care with kind messages of thanks and gratitude. Let your working neighbors know how much you appreciate them and the work they are doing to keep the community safe. Check out Learning to Give’s Activity Plan for ideas on how to get started.