Nothing says “thank you” better than home-baked cookies. That is why RSVP/Volunteers in Action of Central Kansas chose to deliver these goodies to Barton & Pawnee County first responders as a project marking the 2020 Sept. 11 National Day of Service and Remembrance.
The effort is funded by a $500 mini-grant from the Kansas Volunteer Commission. In all, the Kansas Volunteer Commission awarded $3,900 to eight organizations to support the annual federally recognized Sept. 11 observation. 
“This project is so important at this time,” RSVP-VIA Director Linn Hogg said. “There is such a wave of uncertainty in our community. And to be able to thank those people that put their life on the line no matter what the crisis is so needed. ” 
Across the state, the awardees will host volunteer projects and service activities honoring those who died and those who served during the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Hogg and RSVP/VIA picked cookies that will be delivered to Hoisington Police and Fire Departments, Ellinwood Fire and Police Departments, Great Bend Police Department, Barton County Sheriff’s Office, Great Bend Fire Department/Emergency Medical Services personnel as well as Pawnee County Sheriff’s Office and Larned Police and Fire Department.
Hogg and her staff rounded up volunteers who baked, packaged and will deliver the treats. Forty volunteers were involved in the project, she said.
“When the ask went out for help with this project, the response was immediate,” Hogg said. “I think it says a lot about how the majority of the public is so appreciative of everything our law enforcement and emergency response personnel do for our communities.”
The Sept. 11 National Day of Service and Remembrance is the culmination of an effort originally launched in 2002 by Sept. 11 family members and support groups who worked to establish the charitable service day as a forward-looking way to honor Sept. 11 victims, survivors and others who rose up in service response to the attacks. 
In 2009, Congress designated Sept. 11 as a National Day of Service and Remembrance and charged the Corporation for National and Community Service with supporting this effort across the country. With funding from the CNCS, the Kansas Volunteer Commission is working with organizations across Kansas to engage volunteers in tribute projects.
On this day Americans across the country are called to volunteer in their local communities in tribute to the individuals lost and injured in the attacks, first responders, and the many who have risen in service to defend freedom.
The Kansas Volunteer Commission is a program of the Kansas State Department of Education.