Volunteer Starkville began putting on a series of events starting Sept. 5 and continues this week in order to raise awareness for those who serve the community and give back to those individuals. Many community service projects will be available for the public to participate in. 
The project began  Sept. 5 with “United Way Day to Care,” and continues until September 11 with the 9/11 Ceremony and Awareness Fair.
Jamey Bachman, executive director of Volunteer Starkville, said the 9/11 Day of Service is within its fourth or fifth year partnering with Maroon Volunteer Center to host events in the community.
According to Bachman, on Sept. 5, the Starkville Public Library will coordinate with the first responder unit, paramedics and EMT firemen from the Starkville Fire Department and policemen from Starkville Police Department. These individuals come during children’s story hour from 10-10:30 a.m. and 10:30-11 a.m. 
“These children will have story time with local heroes. They pick out a book they want to read and then these community figures tell the kids about what they do, and they read a book to the children,” Bachman said. 
Bachman said the volunteer opportunities continue this week. On Wednesday, from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. there will be volunteer opportunities at three different sites. 
“The sites for people to come and volunteer are East Oktibbeha Belaire Volunteer Fire Department, District 5 Oktoc Fire Station,” Bachman said.
Bachman also said  volunteer work will be available at the East Lampton Volunteer Fire Department. 
“There won’t be much cleaning work, but they have to wash their trucks and vehicles every day so that is one thing we can do for them, “ Bachman said. “Chief Roger Mann always loves to have us at the fire station.”
Bachman also said following these service events is a ceremony and awareness fair from 5:30 to 7 p.m on Thursday. It will be held at the First Responder Park adjacent to Fire Station 1 on East Lampton Street.
“From 5:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. there will be a presentation of flags and a guest speaker, and the Modern Woodman’s Hometown Hero Award will be given to two recipients who have been nominated by the community,” Bachmann said.
From 6 to 7 p.m. will be the Awareness Fair to create awareness for service opportunities in Oktibbeha County.
“About 15 different organizations are participating. There will be several kid friendly activities at Fire Station 1,” Bachman said. “A fire truck, ambulance, and police car will be on display. This is definitely a family friendly event.”