United in Goodness – 9/11 Day of Service

In 2009, September 11 ^th was established as a national day of service and has become an opportunity to unite in goodness to make a positive impact on our country. This year, that spirit connects to something even bigger: America Gives , an initiative of America250, celebrating the nation’s 250th anniversary by inviting all of us to give back to our communities.

So, what does “United in Goodness” mean, especially on 9/11? Let’s break it down.

Being united in goodness is all about coming together to make a difference. On 9/11, this idea takes on extra meaning because it’s a day when we remember the importance of helping each other out.

For JustServe volunteers, this means working together to tackle local issues and support people who need help. Whether you’re joining a community cleanup, organizing a food drive, or pitching in at an event, every bit of effort counts. It’s all part of the bigger picture where we’re united in goodness, showing that even small acts of kindness can make a huge impact.

Every year, people across the country find meaningful ways to serve their neighbors through JustServe on 9/11. Here are examples of communities that have been united in goodness:

Pecan Valley, Texas – Hygiene Kits for the Salvation Army

For the National Day of Service, volunteers in Pecan Valley came together to assemble 400 hygiene kits for the Salvation Army. They also put together 216 children’s kits, each including a coloring book, crayons, and candy—a thoughtful touch that turned a practical service project into something that could bring joy to kids as well.

Shakopee, Minnesota – Park Beautification

On September 11, 2025, 30 volunteers, including 14 children, gathered in Shakopee to spread wood chips and refresh the sand area of a city park. Neighbors near the park noticed, grabbed shovels, and jumped in. Together, the group finished the job in about an hour. Organized in collaboration with the City of Shakopee, the project became a simple, powerful example of building community through service.

Hazelwood, Missouri – Blood Drives, Dog Toys, and Veteran Care Bags

Around 100 volunteers, including many families, took part in the National Day of Service at a local church meetinghouse and the historic Greenwood Cemetery in St. Louis. Volunteers participated in projects such as donating blood, making dog rope toys and fleece blankets, decorating patriotic welcome bags for a veterans home, cleaning up the cemetery, and searching family history records.

Step out your front door and serve your community. There’s a project to match almost any interest:

• Being outside: Take part in neighborhood beautification by picking up litter, planting trees, or maintaining public spaces.
• Exercising: Volunteer at or host your own walk-for-a-cause relay to raise awareness for something you care about.
• Cooking: Organize a “thank you” dinner for your local first responders.
• Helping animals: Volunteer at an animal shelter by feeding, walking, and socializing rescued animals to prepare them for adoption.

Can’t get out in person? You can still make a difference from home:

• Writing: Send uplifting notes to military members and first responders to thank them for their service.
• Crafting: Use simple patterns to tie blankets for babies, families, and others facing health challenges or hardship.
• Making friends: Find an online class teaching English (or another language you speak) to help someone who is learning something new.

This 9/11, you can join in by serving your neighbors and community. Whether you prefer to volunteer in person or find ways to help online, JustServe has tons of opportunities that match your interests and schedule.

Check out volunteer opportunities that will allow you to make a difference. Don’t just scroll through projects, get involved and make a real impact. Grab a friend or family member, and let’s come together to serve with the same spirit of unity that our heroes showed on 9/11.