So, we’ve had a number of people ask why we are holding Day of Caring on September 11th this year. The short answer is, because it’s the second Friday in September and Day of Caring always takes place on the second Friday in September. So, technically, it is a coincidence. However, this year volunteering on 9/11 is especially significant. Why? Because on April 21st, President Obama signed into law the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act, which for the first time includes federal authorization to establish September 11 as an annually recognized National Day of Service and Remembrance. Does this mean everyone will get the day off of work? Sadly, no. Though the anniversary of 9/11 will be observed annually in ways somewhat similar to Martin Luther King Jr. Day, it intentionally will not be a federal holiday. The hope is that individuals, businesses and organizations will be inspired to engage in some form of community service in remembrance of the events of 9/11. And guess what? United Way of King County has made it extra easy (even if it was a coincidence) for you to participate in the first official National Day of Service and Remembrance by holding our annual Day of Caring event on 9/11/2009. Day of Caring is the largest single day use of volunteers in King County with over 8,000 volunteers heading out last year from companies all over the region to help nearly 300 local non-profits with projects ranging from planting bulbs to painting playground equipment to sorting clothes for foster kids. Unfortunately, Day of Caring and 9/11 won’t be falling on the same day again for a long time, so this year really is unique. If you are interested in participating in Day of Caring as a non-profit or as a volunteer, email us at DayofCaring@uwkc.org