9/11 National Day of Service
Every New Yorker remembers where they were and what they were doing on September 11th. With the 10th anniversary coming up this year, we’re looking back, and coming up with ways to serve our city so we can move forward.
Two years ago, 9/11 was established as a National Day of Service. Every year since 9/11, New York Cares has dispatched volunteers throughout the city to serve in honor of those affected by the attacks. Leading up to the day, we’re collecting stories about volunteerism. Did you donate blood, supplies or help out in some other way? Have you been involved in volunteer projects in memory of those we’ve lost? Even small gestures make a big difference, and we want to hear how you helped out your fellow New Yorkers and the city we all call home.
Send us pictures, stories or videos of you volunteering on 9/11, and we’ll post them on Facebook, Twitter and maybe even the home page. We can’t wait to hear about how you’ve made a difference in New York City.
I started volunteering with New York Cares in August 2001. On 9/11 I was able to volunteer through Robin Hood Foundation/Safe Horizon by recommendations through New York Cares. I volunteered over 300 hours at the Family Assistance Center at the pier. I was first assigned the displaced workers, then moved onto the displaced residence and finally with the victims families. I helped fill out forms for the families to get assistance. There were so many forms for different agencies. I developed a bond with many families and would work with the same families each time they would come to the center. I had many of the FDNY families. It was probably one of the hardest things I have ever done.
I also volunteered on various other projects relating to 9/11. Opening letters that people from around the world had wrote to NYC’s heroes. Some were so powerful that they brought tears to your eyes.
On the first anniversary I was an escort for one of the memorials at Battery Park. I met diplomats and dignitaries from the United Nations at their cars and escorted them in to their seats. I escorted the Prime Minister of Japan and two diplomats from African countries.
Being able to help out during the cities time of need made me proud to be an American. It also made me proud to be a New Yorker that Cares!
Comment by Beth Lehmann - July 22, 2011 @ 11:35 am
Thank you so much for sharing your story with us! We would love to feature your experiences on our National Day of Service site. Could you possible email us with more information and a headshot? Thanks so much! (info@newyorkcares.org)
Comment by susantorres - July 22, 2011 @ 3:13 pm