HandsOn Santa Clarita invited Santa Clarita Valley residents to participate in the non-profit organization’s 5th Annual 9/11 Day of Service and Remembrance at Hart Park in Newhall on Saturday, September 9, starting at 7 a.m.

Individuals can pay tribute to the victims of September 11 and honor those that rose in service in response to the attacks by volunteering to help us serve those who serve our community every day.

This year the event is presented by Stay Green Inc. and will support service projects for the Placerita Nature Center, the Boys & Girls Club, Operation Gratitude, William S. Hart Park, and the city of Santa Clarita.

The event kicks off at 7 a.m. with a Volunteer Rally and Commemoration Ceremony at Hart Park. Those who signed up to volunteer at a service project will have the opportunity to turn in their waivers, receive their t-shirt, be introduced to their team leader, and participate in a short 9/11 Ceremony.

During the ceremony they will hear from a few local first responders, volunteers, and enjoy the National Anthem by local singer Savannah Burrows. All volunteers will receive breakfast which includes KIND bars, bagels from Western Bagel and coffee donated by Starbucks Store 6902.

Following the Kick-Off Rally, all volunteers will then go to their chosen site where they will help complete a much-needed project for that organization (i.e. painting, cleaning, landscaping) from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. A special thank-you goes to Firehouse Subs Creekside and all three Chipotle stores for providing lunch for all 300 volunteers.

Please note that all projects are currently full (way to go Santa Clarita volunteers!) and we will not be able to take anyone who has not previously registered online.

However, individuals are encouraged to continue to check the website in case spots become available.

Can’t volunteer on September 9 but still want to contribute?

1. We still need donations for our military and first responder care packages! Please go to www.handsonscv.org to see a full list of the specific items needed. Sponsors Stay Green Inc and Sierra Medical Group our both pleased to act as a drop off locations for all items. You can even drop off a monetary donation of $20 that will cover the cost of producing and mailing a care package.

2. Firehouse Subs Round Up Campaign! Stop into the Valencia location for some great food and round up your bill. All “round-up” change goes towards our military and first responder packages. Special thank you to Jeff and Jenn Press for their generosity.

3. Share! Please share the event with your friends, families, colleagues, church, club etc. The more volunteers the bigger difference we can make.

The “Remember to Serve, Serve to Remember” campaign is about the spirit of community and volunteerism in honor of those who were lost and those who rose in service after the 9/11 attacks. How will you choose to give back this year?

HandsOn Santa Clarita is the SCV’s local non-profit volunteer center. Its mission is to promote volunteerism and philanthropy by connecting individuals, groups, and businesses with other local nonprofits through traditional volunteering and large scale service events. For more information and to sign up to volunteer go to www.handsonscv.org.