As we take today to remember 9/11, people across the country are honoring the memory of those who died and those who served in the war on terror with acts of service in their communities. Here are some of the ways you can serve in our community today.
1. Thank a first responder: Send a card, give a simple thank you or take your local police, sheriff's or firefighters cookies or doughnuts. 344 members of the New York City Fire Department and New York Fire Patrol died at the trade centers on 9/11. 71 law enforcement officers also died in the World Trade Center and on the ground in New York City.
As of Sept. 28, 2008, more than 33,000 police officers, firefighters, responders and community members have been treated for injuries and sickness related to the 9/11 attacks in New York City, including respiratory conditions, mental health problems like PTSD and depression, gastrointestinal conditions and at least 4,166 cases of cancer, according to one advocacy group.
2. Thank a veteran or active service member: Between 1.9 million and 3 million U.S. service members deployed to Iraq, Afghanistan and related combat zones after 9/11. More than 7,053 U.S. service members died. More than 53,000 U.S. service members were wounded in action during these campaigns.
3. Give blood: Giving blood not only helps treat trauma patients, but helps patients dealing with chronic disease and everyday surgeries. You can give at the Red Cross Hays location throughout September.
Click here for more information and donation dates and times.
4. Discuss 9/11 with younger members of your community: Many of remember 9/11 and still feel its effect, but the younger generation does not. Talk to your children and grandchildren about 9/11 and how it changed the world.
5. Create a disaster plan for your family: The average American could not have predicted 9/11, but we can be better prepared for disasters in our own communities. Create a fire escape plan for your family and review it with all members, especially children. Create a disaster kit that includes items such as water, a flashlight, emergency food and a supply of medicine among other essentials.
6. Donate funds: There are many worthy organizations in Ellis County to donate to. However, the Untied Way of Ellis County is in the midst of its annual fundraising campaign. It provides financial support to 13 partner agencies in the community. Learn more about Untied Way and how to donate by clicking here.
7. Donate food: Ellis County has multiple food pantries. Each one will take both food or monetary donations year round. These include the Community Assistance Center, 1108 Oak St, Hays, First Call for Help, 607 E 13th St., St. Jospeh Food Pantry, 215 W. 13th St., and Ellis Food Pantry, 210 Madison St., Ellis. Feeding Hays also always needs spaghetti and spaghetti sauce, which can be taken to St. Michael's Episcopal Church, 2900 Canal Blvd., Hays
8. Join a civic organization: Hays has numerous civic groups who feed the hungry, decorate the city with flags, promote eye health, support seniors and many, many other projects. Some of these include Rotary, Kiwanis, Women Who Lead and Lions.
9. Volunteer as a mentor: You can become a volunteer through Big Brothers Big Sisters, Girl Scouts and Scouting America, Arc or coach a youth sports team.
10. Volunteer for a local nonprofit or join their board: Organizations such as Options Domestic Violence, Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), Habitat for Humanity are always looking for volunteers and board members.
11. Join a community committee: The city, county and school district need members to run for office and serve on government committees and commissions. You can contact your local governing body for more information. You can also promote your community by serving on a committee with the Chamber in Hays or The Bricks, including the Child Care Task Force, Wellness Committee or Hays Young Professionals.
Tell us how you are serving this 9/11. Send us a photo or a comment to hayspost@eaglemedia.com or share on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/hayspost.
— Cristina Janney/Hays Post