USC’s Student Government is honoring the 25th anniversary of 9/11 by serving those who served and helping homeless communities around Columbia.
Thanks to a grant from the 9/11 Day campus grants program, Student Government will participate in the September 11 National Day of Service and Remembrance.
The service project will ultimately result in delivering approximately 1,000 hygiene kits and provide basic needs to Columbia’s veteran and homeless communities.
“As someone involved in the military community, serving and supporting veterans is especially meaningful to me. September 11th is a day we remember the lives and sacrifices of those who served,” says Vincent Baker, Student Government’s Secretary for Veterans Affairs.
“I wanted to create an opportunity for our students to honor that legacy through action. I hope that Salute Through Service not only provides meaningful support to veterans in our community but also reminds our students that even a small act of service can make a lasting impact.”
The initiative started in late August with a multi-week donation drive where Student Government collected hygiene items, bottled water and other essential supplies.
“I wanted to create an opportunity for our students to honor that legacy through action. I hope that Salute Through Service not only provides meaningful support to veterans in our community but also reminds our students that even a small act of service can make a lasting impact.”
The project culminates in a full day of service on Friday (Sept. 11) from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Russell House ballroom.
There, Student Government and over 300 student volunteers from across campus will prepare hygiene kits to be handed out at local homeless shelters, veteran-serving organizations and other community partners across Columbia.
The goal of initiative is not only about serving veterans and the homeless near campus but also about strengthening partnerships across the community while educating students about 9/11 Day and civic engagement.
The 9/11 Day project is an initiative to honor the victims of the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001 by turning the day into a day of doing good and serving communities.
USC has a long history of civic engagement, hosting an annual MLK Day of Service as well as regular Service Saturdays throughout the year. USC is also hosting Civility Week from Sept. 14-18 full of activities designed to connect students with campus organizations and celebrate the value of active citizenship.