VolunteerFest 2021 Seeks To Remember 9/11 Through Service

FAIRFAX, VA — Saturday is not just the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, it's also Patriot Day, which is a National Day of Service and Remembrance.

Volunteer Fairfax is helping residents to find ways to give back to the community by hosting VolunteerFest 2021. The annual event that focuses on community-wide service kicks off at 9 a.m. on Saturday at the Fairfax County Government Center (12000 Government Center Parkway).

Here are some of the ways people can help on Saturday.:

• Young people can also help Chalk4Peace.org with an art project by sharing positive messages of peace using art and sidewalk chalk at the government center.
• Fairfax County's Stuff the Bus food drive will be collecting donations at the government center and 22 locations around the county starting at 10 a.m. The food will be distributed to local nonprofits who are helping to feed hungry people throughout community.
• Local public safety and elected officials will be taking part in a remembrance ceremony at 10 a.m. to mark the 20th anniversary of 9/11. The public is invited to attend the ceremony at the government center.
• A Gratitude Station will be open Saturday at the government center where young people can write messages of thanks and remembrance to public safety officials. These messages will be delivered to local fire and police stations. Kids Give Back, a local nonprofit that supports youth volunteering, is cohosting the Gratitude Station. Emergency vehicles will also be on site for the public to view from 9 a.m-12 p.m.

The following organizations support VolunteerFest 2021: ATT, NetApp, Kaiser Permanente, Accenture, Deloitte, Virginia Service Foundation and The Williams Foundation.