United Way of the Lakeshore Day of Caring/911 Service

The Oceana County Day of Caring, scheduled for September 11, will serve as United Way of the Lakeshore’s observance of the National 9/11 Day of Service and Remembrance. The event will engage community volunteers in meaningful service projects that honor veterans, support military families, and preserve the legacy of those who have served our country. Planned projects include collecting and preserving local veterans' stories through the Veterans History Project, conducting a cemetery cleanup with a focus on cleaning and restoring veterans' headstones, and constructing two flag recycling boxes to provide a respectful method for retiring worn American flags. Additional projects may be added as volunteer registration and community needs are assessed. Volunteers will participate in hands-on service activities, including building, assembling, and painting flag recycling boxes; cleaning and preserving veteran headstones; interviewing veterans; and cataloging photographs, artifacts, and memorabilia that document their military service. Through these projects, volunteers will honor the sacrifices of veterans, preserve important local history, and strengthen connections between community members, service organizations, and military families. By transforming a day of remembrance into a day of action, the Oceana County Day of Caring will provide meaningful opportunities for residents to serve their neighbors, recognize the contributions of veterans, and foster a stronger sense of community engagement and civic responsibility.