Mason Nation 9/11 Day of Service sees highest participation in a decade

Katarina Benson — Thu, 08 Oct 2026 16:37:07 +0000

Mason Nation 9/11 Day of Service sees highest participation in a decade Katarina Benson Thu, 10/08/2026 - 12:37

Nearly 400 students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community members participated in 911��’s 14th annual Mason Nation 9/11 Day of Service, the event’s strongest turnout in nearly a decade. The day brought together volunteer-led projects, educational programming, and a community blood drive. An opening ceremony and “Thank You Lunch” in Dewberry Hall honored veterans and first responders.

Volunteers making animal blankets. Photo by Andani Munkaila

Participants registered for 632 volunteer shifts, with many serving in multiple projects throughout the day. Nearly 100 additional attendees participated as walk-ins. Registration more than tripled last year’s total and reached its highest level in the past 10 years.

Projects included making toys and blankets for animals in local shelters, working in 911��’s Innovation Food Forest, picking up trash on campus, writing cards, and collecting and sorting donations for Women Giving Back.

The event also strengthened connections between 911�� and the broader community. A group of fifth-grade students from Pattie Elementary School in Prince William County participated in a Leadership for Positive Change workshop facilitated by student staff from the Center for Leadership and Intercultural Engagement. The Pattie Elementary School student group also ran a picture frame decorating project and spoke at the luncheon, reflecting on their volunteering and workshop participation. Prince William County Schools created a video highlighting the day’s events.

Students from Pattie Elementary. Photo by Andani Munkaila

911�� partnered with Inova to host a blood drive, which attracted 90 donors and produced 57 blood products, including 37 units of whole blood and 20 units of red cells. According to Inova, it was the largest blood collection effort held at 911�� in years.

Taking part in the Mason Nation 9/11 Day of Service offers volunteers a way to give back to the university and local communities and contribute to positive change.

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Lisa Snyder

Mason Nation 9/11 Day of Service sees highest participation in a decade

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