9/11 Day: Transforming Tragedy into America's Largest Day of Service

Twenty-three years after the September 11 attacks, the 9/11 Day nonprofit has transformed the anniversary into the largest annual day of service in American history, now recognized under federal law. This initiative has become a powerful symbol of national unity in a deeply polarized America.

This year, more than 30 million Americans are expected to participate in the 9/11 Day observance. Activities will range from volunteering with local nonprofits and faith-based groups to making donations and engaging in personal acts of kindness. The initiative will also see participation from thousands of corporations, nonprofits, schools, and elected officials, all aiming to recreate the spirit of compassion and service that followed the 9/11 tragedy.

David Paine, president and co-founder of 9/11 Day, emphasized the importance of unity on this day, stating, "There’s no better way for all Americans to honor those killed and injured on 9/11, and the many who rose in service in response to the attacks, than for all of us and our governmental leaders to put aside our differences for at least a day and join together in unity to help others in need."

Jay Winuk, executive vice president and co-founder of 9/11 Day, lost his brother Glenn Winuk, an attorney and volunteer firefighter, in the 9/11 attacks. He remarked, "When we engage in good deeds and acts of service, it demonstrates the best in us, brings us together as human beings, and represents an ideal way to mark the anniversary of 9/11."

This September 11, more than 30,000 volunteers will participate in the "Meal Packs for 9/11 Day" across 21 U.S. cities, assembling over eight million non-perishable meals for Americans at risk of hunger. Supported by a federal grant from AmeriCorps, these meals will be donated to local Feeding America-affiliated food banks in observance of September’s "Hunger Action Month."

Over 500 corporations are involved in this year's 9/11 Day Meal Pack, making it the largest single day of corporate volunteer engagement in America. Notable corporate funders include Reliance, Inc., Delta Air Lines, JPMorgan Chase, and Pfizer.

Beyond meal packs, 9/11 Day continues to educate a new generation about the 9/11 tragedy and the ensuing unity. Nearly 100 million Americans born since 2001 will have access to new educational materials provided by 9/11 Day, aimed at inspiring service in classrooms and communities. These resources are available free of charge at 911day.org/teachers.

Additionally, AmeriCorps grant funding will support service activities for college students across 11 campuses, where nearly one million meals will be packed for local communities. The initiative also provides over $200,000 in grants to organizations like Boys & Girls Clubs of America and the National Youth Leadership Council, involving over 3,200 youths in 60 nationwide events.

In partnership with organizations such as the 9/11 Memorial & Museum and Voices Center for Resilience, 9/11 Day is allocating close to $100,000 to support service, remembrance, and disaster preparedness projects.

The 9/11 Day nonprofit, founded in 2002, led the successful effort to establish September 11 as a National Day of Service and Remembrance under federal law in 2009. Today, it stands as the largest annual day of charitable engagement in U.S. history.