It's Even Cooler on September 11...

by Christina Malliet

In this post, we’re following up on a July 20 ICP blog regarding the trend of “pop culture volunteerism.” The examples made from the participation of the country’s leaders in service projects are especially effective in uniting the country on days such as September 11. On Saturday, celebrities and leaders around the US and from every area of popular culture participated in The 9/11 National Day of Service and Remembrance. Want to know where your favorite figure was serving this year? Keep reading!

• President Barack Obama helped with a multi-organizational project that involved the design and creation of quilts to be sent to children of deployed service men and women. Michelle Obama worked at the Vinson Hall Retirement Community in McLean, VA, repainting and repairing parts of the building.

Photo credit here.

Photo credit here.

• Vice President Joe Biden and Dr. Jill Biden volunteered for New York Cares, creating care packages and writing cards for military members overseas.

Photo credit here.

• The MLB observed a day of remembrance on Saturday by wearing special caps, which were also sold to fans to profit their organization, Welcome Back Veterans. Some MLB players also served in person on Friday; Jason Michaels, Jeff Keppinger and Bud Norris, of the Houston Astros, visited local fire stations to thank firefighters for their service.
  

Photo credit here.

• Chef Joan Nathan participated in the Bookmarks 2010 Festival of Books, an admission-free event promoting literacy, especially in youth.
  

• Cuban-American Entertainer Jon Secada and his family served at the Mission of St. Francis community center in Fort Lauderdale, FL. The family helped the staff distribute food packages at this rehabilitation center and in the surrounding community.

• Pop artist Jordin Sparks served with VP Biden for New York Cares, making cards and care packages.

Photo credit here.

Where did you serve on September 11? Tell us your stories in comments below!

(For more information on day-to-day celebrity volunteering, please click here.)