Little City Foundation Answers President’s Call to Join in ‘National Day of Service and Remembrance’ by Raising Awareness and Importance of Service to Nation’s Most Vulnerable Citizens

Little City Foundation volunteers hit the streets of Chicagoland today and tomorrow with its Smiles Tag Days Campaign raising funds and awareness to better serve hundreds of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities

PALATINE, IL, Sept. 11, 2009 – Little City Foundation today participates in the federally recognized September 11 National Day of Service and Remembrance by calling all its volunteers to raise funds and awareness through its Smiles Tag Campaign for hundreds of children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Recognizing the “Serve America Act” to salute the heroes of 911, Little City Foundation will observe the day by joining President Obama’s call to citizens to rededicate themselves to sustained service to the community.

Little City volunteers today and tomorrow will raise awareness, funds, and offer volunteer opportunities to members of the general public through its Smiles Tag Days Campaign registered through United We Serve.

“Establishing today as a federally observed day of service and remembrance is a positive way to remember the tragic events of September 11 that inspired Americans to come together in unity,” commented Little City Executive Director Shawn Jeffers. “Little City calls on its volunteers and interested members of the community to join in on the Smiles Tag Days Campaign and learn more about how to serve our some of our nation’s most vulnerable citizens – individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.”

According to United We Serve, the designation is the culmination of years of work led by the 9/11 community, including family members and support groups, who came together to create this observance as a way for the nation to forever remember the lives of those lost and injured, and pay tribute to those who rose in service following the attacks.

Little City’s continuing mission is to ensure that people with intellectual and developmental disabilities are provided with the best options and opportunities to live safely, work productively, explore creatively, and learn continuously throughout their lifetime. It will celebrate 50 years of groundbreaking, innovative service to hundreds of children and adults with disabilities this Oct. 1.

To volunteer in the Smiles Tag Days Campaign or to learn more about how to support Little City Foundation, contact Lisa Reyes at lreyes@littlecity.org or at (847) 772-1129. Visit www.littlecity.org.

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About Little City

For nearly 50 years, Little City Foundation has developed innovative and personalized programs to fully assist and empower children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Little City offers a variety of residential options for children and adults, as well as vocational and employment opportunities. Programs and services include a special needs foster care and adoption program; in-home support to families raising a child with developmental disabilities; a full complement of recreational activities, including Special Olympics competition; a Resale Shop that provides employment for people with disabilities; and an award-winning Center for the Arts program that features visual, performance, media and fabric arts. The organization has a 56-acre campus in Palatine and offices in Chicago. Visit www.littlecity.org.