A guide to Mesa's Day of Service
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Mesa will host its largest day of service on Saturday to mark 25 years since the Sept. 11 attacks.
Why it matters: The volunteer opportunities start Thursday and there's something for everyone throughout the weekend.
Zoom out: The city has pledged at least 100,000 hours of volunteer service from the community in honor of America's 250th birthday.
Flashback: Victims' families began the service day movement in 2002, and Congress formally established the September 11 National Day of Service and Remembrance in 2009.
Here's a list of volunteer opportunities across the city:
Thursday
Make quilts, baby hats, blankets and afghans for people in need. Bring your own project or work alongside other volunteers. 10am-12pm. 745 North Val Vista Drive.
Friday
Plant trees and tend the Mesa Community College Arboretum. 9-11am. 1833 W. Southern Ave.
Saturday
Bookworms: Prep tutoring materials for Mesa Public Schools students. 9am-12pm. 120 N. Center Street.
Crafters: Create toys out of old T-shirts for shelter dogs. 9am-11am. 10100 East Ray Road.
- Tie quilts for refugee families. 9-11am. 2152 E. Adobe St.
Clean headstones at Mesa Cemetery. 8-10am. 1207 North Center Street.
Early risers: Spruce up the Park of the Canals by realigning river rocks along the walking path. 7-9am. 1710 N. Horne
- Start with a pancake breakfast, then head to United Food Bank to pack emergency food bags. 7:30-11am. 358 E. Javelina Avenue.
Techies: Refurbish computers and other electronics for people in need by cleaning devices, removing stickers or installing drives. 9-11am. 2228 E. Brown Road.
Painters: Repaint curb numbers in a Mesa neighborhood to help first responders find homes faster. Ages 14 and up. 8-10am. 7104 E. Baywood Ave.
Jacks of all trades: Pick from more than 18 service projects — like packing snack bags or writing thank-you notes to first responders — at Desert Ridge High School. 9-11am. 10045 East Madero Ave.
If you go: Sign up in advance through JustServe since some opportunities have limited space.
Busy this weekend? Try donating: Cereal, canned food, stuffed animals and toys, socks or shoes. Also consider donating blood.