Washburn University is participating in the inaugural 9/11 National Day of Service. Learning in the Community (LinC), in partnership with the Washburn Student Government Association and AmeriCorps*VISTA, are joining forces with local organizations to provide community service on 9/11/09. In his Call to Service for 9/11, President Obama said, “No force for change is more powerful than that of Americans who are making a difference in their communities.”

The National Day of Service was included in the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act. This legislation was signed by President Obama in April, 2009. Dr. Richard Ellis, Director of Washburn University’s Center for Community Service and Civic Engagement is calling the 9/11 event: Washburn University in the Community: A National Day of Service.

Nearly 200 students will foster their civic pride and commitment by providing services to such organizations as: Hi-Crest and Vida Community Gardens; Chesney Park Neighborhood Improvement Association; Foster Grandparent Program; Community Action; Marian Clinic; Kansas Neurological Institute; Randolph School; Robinson Middle School and many others. Projects include making home improvements, landscaping and organizing agency program materials.

Several area businesses are donating food for students participating in service projects. These include Domino’s Pizza, Godfather’s Pizza, McDonald’s and Pizza Hut.

Make 9/11 a day to provide community service. For further information and exact locations of service sites, contact Sara Stauffer at 785-670-1954 and [email protected] or Kristine Hart at 785-670-1950 and [email protected].