September 10, 2009

Charlotte, NC--  More than 100 volunteers are expected to spend the day in Freedom Park on Friday, September 11, 2009 working on projects such as landscaping, laying mulch, cleaning, picking-up trash, and preparing for Festival in the Park, September 24-27.  Volunteers will work on projects 11am–3pm.

These volunteers and Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation Department are participating in “United We Serve,” a national initiative announced by President Obama in April 2009.  Its goal is to promote and expand volunteering across the United States. The Edward M. Kennedy Service America Act, passed by Congress and signed into law by the president, sets September 11 as a National Day of Service and Remembrance.
 
The volunteers represent various schools, companies and groups, including the volunteer group, Hands on Charlotte.”  Their activities will also include planting a special cherry tree at 12:30pm near Shelter 2 (see directions below). Park and Recreation will dedicate the tree to Hands on Charlotte, which has “adopted” Freedom Park as an ongoing volunteer project.