'Jersey Cares' Set to Visit Local Veterans Home on September 11

Family members of 9/11 victims never wanted the memories of their loved ones to be forgotten. But how could they achieve that goal in a way fitting to the nearly 3,000 men and women who died that fateful day?

The answer came in the form of a selfless act: volunteerism. In 2009, President Barack Obama signed into law the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act.  Included in the legislation is the federal authorization to establish September 11 as an annually recognized National Day of Service and Remembrance, according to The National Office of Citizen Corps - FEMA Individual and Community Preparedness Division.

“Since [the bill was passed] we have been holding events for 9/11,” said Sherry Lynn Fazio, Senior Director of External Affairs at Jersey Cares, a nonprofit volunteer organization created in 1993.

“This is our second year of doing it,” added Fazio who said a team of up to 1,000 volunteers throughout the state will participate in 35 volunteer acts from September 8 to September 11. “We make volunteering easy,” she said as she described her organization based in Newark which is perhaps best known for its annual coat drives each winter.

Starting today, approximately 1,000 volunteers throughout 12 counties will participate in programs throughout the state. Jersey Cares expects to draw 300 volunteers to a local project this week at the New Jersey Veterans Memorial Home in Menlo Park. The veteran’s home is located on Evergreen Street across from Menlo Park Mall in Edison.

"Our goal is to activate volunteers for a whole series of projects throughout New Jersey from September 8 to September 11," said Will Watts, service events manager at Jersey Cares. Watts said the veterans memorial home is set as the organization's flagship location for the volunteer efforts which will culminate on Sunday when up to 300 volunteers will paint murals, build crafts projects and cook for members of the veteran's home.

The work performed by volunteers will benefit not only veterans but children, Watts said, adding that because the nursing facility is large, it can accommodate a large group like the 300 volunteers from Jersey Cares. Volunteers, Watts said, will create craft projects for needy children as well as assist veterans; all in honor of 9/11 victims.

Those interested in participating in the week's events can contact Will Watts at 973-424-1091.

For more information on Jersey Cares, visit their website.