Dominican College students paid tribute to the victims of the 9-11 attacks by volunteering on September 11, as part of the National Day of Service and Remembrance.

The volunteering efforts were organized by Melissa Grau, Director of Community Engagement and Leadership Development. “I think the purpose of the attacks on September 11th was to break the American spirit and the reason that service has become such an important part of today, especially at Dominican College, is to show that it didn’t break our spirit and we still live and love in our community,” she said.

Some students volunteered at Jawonio in New City, playing board games and working on craft projects with adults who have special needs. “They just brighten up our consumer’s day. They bring joy to their faces,” said Jawonio spokesperson Dana Ferraro. “It’s a nice environment because they chose to be here and it really shows. We just love to have them.”

Also on September 11, students volunteered in the Granito Center, making handmade greeting cards that will be delivered to veterans and seniors who are homebound.

Congress designated September 11 as a National Day of Service and Remembrance in 2009 to unite Americans in service in the same way so many came together following the attacks. At Dominican College, there is a commitment to community service year-round, so that students learn as much outside of the classroom as they do in it.