Maryland State Wire

"Day to Serve" will begin on Sept. 11 and end on Oct. 10, giving Maryland residents the chance to give back to communities and people in need.

The monthlong "Day to Serve" push is a friendly rivalry between West Virginia, Virginia, Washington D.C. and Maryland to encourage residents to volunteer their time to help out veterans, clean up local communities, and serve meals to the hungry. Volunteer hours are tracked and totaled up until Oct. 10 to see how much participating citizens can give back.

Executive director of the Maryland Center for Veterans Education and Training Jeffery Kendrick is particularly excited about what the initiative stands for and will be done for veterans.

"The purpose of the 'Day to Serve' serves as a reminder to all citizens about the need to give back to their community, whether it be with volunteer service, or charitable donations," Kendrick told the Maryland State Wire. "Specifically, this will show the homeless veterans at MCVET how much the public supports their individual efforts towards reclaiming their rightful place in society as full time employees and home owners."

Maryland state employees will also be paid for four hours of volunteer time as an extra incentive to participate in the statewide community outreach program.

"We hope that our students (residents) see how much the community supports them working towards independence, and recognizes their efforts," Kendrick said. "Our veterans don’t ask for pity, but instead admiration; while at the same time recognizing their sacrifices on behalf of our country."

Kendrick added that Maryland residents can also volunteer their time and help veterans year round by going to www.mcvet.org.