Each year, millions of Americans join in the call to perform acts of service on Sept. 11, a federally recognized National Day of Service.
This year, the 20th Anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks, national nonprofit, 9/11 Day, is setting a goal of 20 million good deeds being performed on that day to honor and remember 911 victims, first responders and others. The goal is for the good deeds to help build unity and goodwill across the nation.
Counted among the best good deeds anyone could do is to lend a helping hand to provide a meal to someone in need. Feeding the needs of the hungry was the inspiration for large-scale meal pack events that are being held in 11 cities across the country, including St. Louis.
Volunteers from local companies and corporations will gather at Chaifetz Arena to pack 200,000 meals for St. Louis Area Foodbank in tribute to the 911 victims, first responders, recovery workers, military personnel and others who rose in service in response to the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on America. This meal pack event will be a living, breathing example of nearly 1,000 volunteers committed to marking the 911 anniversary by serving their neighbors in need.
“Turning 911 into a day of service upholds our country’s commitment to never forget what happened on 9/11/2001. We are grateful for the dedication and compassion shown by the volunteers and community leaders that make this effort possible,” said St. Louis Area Foodbank President and CEO Meredith Knopp. “It’s inspiring to see so many people come together, just like they did after that fateful day, demonstrating the spirit of unity and resilience that comes from neighbors working together to help their own community.”
Among those meals already packaged by St. Louis Area Foodbank are packages of flavored oatmeal, a shelf-stable breakfast that’s easy to prepare and serve. Last month, volunteers – members of the Foodbank’s 1,000 volunteer corps – packaged cases of oatmeal for inclusion in its 200,000 meal goal – an event that brought the community together for a cause with a mission, which in itself can be counted as a good deed.
It’s not too late to help turn a good deed on 911. Contact the St. Louis Area Foodbank and ask how you can lend a helping hand now and beyond Sept. 11. Help is always needed to provide food to the hungry.
For more information on 9/11 Day and its outreach programs and food packing operations for the St. Louis Meal Pack for 911, visit 911day.org.
