In Illinois, our Chicago area AmeriCorps VISTA members Ayanna, Ian, Elijah, VISTA Leader Stanton, and Campus Compact VISTA Manager Stephanie combated food insecurity by helping pack thousands of meals at the Chicago Meal Pack in Union Station.
Ian Richmond, second-year AmeriCorps VISTA member serving at National Louis University - Thrive, was a “runner”, keeping supplies stocked for over 30 packing tables before they ran out. In his VISTA role at NLU - Thrive, he tackles food insecurity through behind-the-scenes, capacity building, but this chance to contribute to this work in “a direct, physical way was immensely rewarding!"
Together, the team was able to break down and pack four tons of oatmeal in less than two hours! Elijah, the AmeriCorps VISTA member serving at Roosevelt University, shares, “We were dedicated to feeding families, and our determination saw us through the event, and we did not realize how much we accomplished until our service was done.”
Ayanna, the AmeriCorps VISTA member serving at The Chicago School, adds, "It was incredibly rewarding to be a part of such a large team of people whose goal was to provide those in need with nutritious food through hands-on service. It was wonderful to feel the sense of community, knowing that everyone working alongside us shared a common end goal to combat food insecurity. Not only this, but it was also nice to see that an array of roles, such as Table Captains, Runners, Greeters, and more, were offered to participants, which allowed everyone to play a pivotal role in reaching our end goal."
While our Chicago team made an impact, the rest of our Campus Compact VISTA cohort across the country also participated in 9/11 Day of Service!
Murriah Warren, AmeriCorps VISTA member at Michigan State University - ARAC in East Lansing, MI, supported the “Fill the Bus” initiative, helping pack and donate back-to-school supplies for the Lansing School District.
"It was nice to see that this is not just a 'one and done' effort but an annual contribution from schools to schools. Helping us college students be aware of our own privilege while also connecting with the community and youth!!"
Casey Aubrey, AmeriCorps VISTA member at Greenfield Community College in Greenfield, MA, organized a card drive on campus to thank local first responders, delivering cards to a nursing home, fire station, and police station.
"This project was very inspiring to complete, and I feel much more confident about students' willingness to spread kindness... and to soon volunteer."
Jeannine Lopez, AmeriCorps VISTA member at the University of Kansas in Lawrence, KS, volunteered with the Lawrence Humane Society’s “Mass Street Mutts” program, where individuals can walk adoptable dogs to get them out of the shelter and in front of potential adopters.
“I walked Marley around a couple of parks in Lawrence for my 9/11 Day of Service activity, and we had a great time!”
Mak Morales, an AmeriCorps VISTA member at Portland State University in Portland, OR, supported the Blanchet House of Hospitality, serving meals and beverages to unhoused individuals. The Blanchet House offers food, shelter, and aid to all those in need of a safe place to be nourished and restored.
“During my shift, I supported their lunch service by serving meals and beverages, which largely served unhoused individuals. Due to the nature of this work, I could not take pictures of my service in action, but attached is a selfie I took after my shift.”
Blai Yang, second year AmeriCorps VISTA member at the University of Washington - Green Bay in Green Bay, WI, volunteered at a local horse farm, helping to groom, pick up manure, and hand-feed apples to horses like Sweet Justice (pictured).
Amar Ghandi, AmeriCorps VISTA member at George Mason University in Fairfax, VA, participated in GMU's Mason Nation 9/11 Day of Service, helping to make chew toys for animals in Dewberry Hall. Amar is also an alum of GMU!
Noemi Carrillo, second-year AmeriCorps VISTA member at Agnes Scott College in Decatur, GA, volunteered with UrbanHeatATL and was given a temperature sensor to collect data around the English Ave neighborhood in West Atlanta.
Maryam Funmilayo, Community Service - Federal Work Study AmeriCorps VISTA member at Campus Compact, volunteered with the American Association of University Women (AAUW) Northeast Tarrant County (NETC) branch in Dallas, supporting their membership brunch by serving organic coconut water and organic fruits to the elderly members as they build community.
Autumn Strange, a VISTA member at Kennesaw State University in Kennesaw, GA, helped organize an event at KSU in collaboration with the 9/11 Museum in New York City. The event featured footage of 9/11 and survivor stories to honor victims, allowing students to sign a banner for local first responders.
“I helped set up/clean up, give snacks, and direct students towards various activities. This picture is of my office coworkers and some of the student workers from Military and Veteran services at KSU!”
Through their participation in 9/11 Day of Service, each of our Campus Compct VISTA members addressed our communities’ most urgent needs, ranging from veteran support and houselessness to animal welfare and educational access. We applaud their efforts on 9/11 and recognize their ongoing dedication to serving through their year-long VISTA terms.