Service Updates

On the National Day of Service, volunteers all over the country will dedicate a few hours of their time to serving their communities—at food banks, health clinics, park clean-ups, and through thousands of other projects. It's a tradition started by the first family as a way to spend a day giving back, and for Colorado student Kate, it's a chance to lend a hand to an organization that's close to her heart.

Kate is hosting a service project with the Care and Share Food Bank of Southern Colorado, where she's volunteered for years to help hungry families in her community. She and her fellow volunteers will help collect, organize, and distribute food to those who need it. Kate says the National Day of Service is the perfect opportunity not just to give an extra boost to the food bank this month, but to show other volunteers a fun and meaningful way to get involved in giving back year-round.

"I want to make sure that we are helping out those in need in southern Colorado—but my greatest goal is for volunteers to walk away with the feeling that they gave back to their community in an important and proactive way. The Day of Service is an excellent opportunity for people to get out into their communities and volunteer, and I would love it if this was so inspiring to them that they make volunteering a commitment in their lives."

Kate's excited to be a part of the National Day of Service, and to bring her neighbors together to help the hungry. For her, it will be a day spent giving back to the community she loves.

“Community service is so important. I feel that, because of all the opportunities I have been given, the least I can do is give back to a community that has given so much to me. To me, service demonstrates compassion, gratitude, and humility. It's a simple and rewarding way to say, 'thank you.'"

Sign up to give back to your community—get involved in a National Day of Service event near you.

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Four years ago, the Obamas started a new inaugural tradition: the National Day of Service. Whether in D.C. or at home, Americans across the country joined together to give back to their communities. Lorette Batiste, a service leader, U.S. Army veteran, and native North Carolinian, was among the first to sign up.

Braving the cold Washington weather in 2009, Lorette teamed up with a local church group participating in the first National Day of Service to bring food to the homes of the elderly through Meals on Wheels. It was an eye-opening experience for her: “These folks just didn’t have anybody to give.” But Lorette and her family never missed out an opportunity to help those in need.

As a young girl, Lorette had an elderly neighbor who struggled to put food on the table every day. So every time her mother cooked breakfast, she’d hand Lorette a plate and say “Take this to Mr. George.” “When we ate lunch, Mr. George ate. When we had dinner, Mr. George ate,” says Lorette. “Each and every day.”

The need to help the hungry has never left her. Now living in Hampton, Georgia, she helps organize a Backpack program for children in her community who may have food at school but go without meals over the weekend.

“You take it for granted that kids have a chance to eat,” she says. “But I remember one child came to our house one weekend and said in surprise, ‘Wow, you guys eat all the time!’ It just about broke my heart.”

For this year’s National Day of Service, Lorette is partnering with churches and schools to help organize more than 20 different events across Georgia. Taking her cue from the First Lady’s Let’s Move! campaign, she’ll work to bring meals to people in need as well as organizing walks and hikes to fight obesity. “It’s not just about making sure you eat, it’s about making sure you eat healthy,” Lorette says.

While the Day of Service gives Lorette a reason to organize these events, it’s not the main reason she wants to get involved this year: “Giving back is not something you do for just one day. It’s about making an impact on your community, long-term. If you can make someone’s life a little better, that’s what matters.”

Find out how you can give back to your community. Sign up to get involved in this year’s National Day of Service.

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During even the most difficult of times, Americans have shown amazing fortitude in the face of adversity. From brave first responders to our selfless rescue workers, we are a nation of strength and resilience. In the midst of disasters, Americans have been moved time and time again to support our fellow citizens by rebuilding homes and communities. Even in the day-to-day struggles of Americans everywhere, community members show an inspiring willingness to lend a hand to those in need. During the National Day of Service, volunteers will have the opportunity to dedicate their time to service projects that strengthen our communities and support our neighbors.

Bread for the City, an official National Day of Service partner, provides residents of Washington, D.C. with comprehensive services—including food, clothing, medical care, and legal and social services—in an atmosphere of dignity and respect. Whether distributing groceries, assisting with health education, or sorting clothing, volunteering with Bread for the City means helping tens of thousands of people in need.

Sign up for a National Day of Service community resilience event near you!

Bread for the City is one of many opportunities to get involved with service projects focused on promoting community resilience. There are lots of ways to get involved—volunteer at Bread for the City, or support your friends and neighbors in need through service with disaster relief organizations, community gardens, and area shelters. Thank you for your commitment to serve in your community.