More than 300 memorial projects in the works, with 70,000 volunteers

The Unity in the Spirit of America (USA) initiative, a volunteer program that pays tribute to those lives lost on Sept. 11 is under way in cities across America. To date, there are nearly 300 projects registered, representing more than 70,000 volunteers in 35 states.

Sponsored into legislation by Senators Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) and John Kyl (R-AZ) and signed into law by President Bush on Jan. 10, 2002, the USA initiative urges Americans to pledge and conduct volunteer projects in their communities as "living memorials" to those lost on Sept. 11. The Points of Light Foundation and its national network of nearly 500 centers are coordinating the initiative.

Disney Hand, the worldwide outreach for the Walt Disney Company, and Ronald McDonald House Charities, a nonprofit that creates, finds and supports programs that directly improve the health and well-being of children, have signed on as lead partners of the USA initiative.

"This is a way to redirect anger, frustration, grief; redirect that energy in a more positive way and at the same time help the community and help the nation," said Lloyd Glick, father of Jeremy Glick, who was traveling on United Airlines Flight 93.

Anyone interested in creating living memorials through volunteer service can participate in the USA initiative. New, ongoing or already scheduled volunteer projects can qualify as USA projects as long as they are registered no later than March 1, 2003 and completed by National Volunteer Week, April 27 through May 3, 2003.

To get involved, visit the USA Web site at usa.pointsoflight.org or call 1-800-VOLUNTEER.