United Way Honors Memory of 9/11 with National Day of Action to Honor, Serve and Unite

September 2, 2021, Alexandria, Va. United Way Worldwide will honor the 20th anniversary of 9/11 by engaging 14 United Ways and more than 2800 volunteers in acts of service in support of the September 11 National Day of Service and Remembrance (9/11 Day). This day of action will consist of activities that turn a day of tragedy into a day of doing good in communities around the country. 

United Way volunteers throughout country will create Family Emergency Preparedness Starter Kits with sample supplies needed in emergencies, and guidance for how to create and practice a disaster preparedness plan. For individuals who cannot participate in person, United Way Worldwide will offer an online letter-writing platform for virtual volunteers to learn about 9/11 Day and write an encouraging note for families who will receive the kits.  

United Way’s corporate sponsor, Home Depot, donated more than 380,000 disposable masks to be included in the emergency kits; and Oportun, also a corporate sponsor, engaged its multi-lingual employees to translate essential 9/11 emergency preparedness materials from English into Spanish to reach a broader audience. 

Completed kits will be distributed throughout local communities to families who may lack adequate disaster plans and supplies. This day of action is underwritten by a grant from AmeriCorps, stewards of the September 11th National Day of Service and Remembrance. 

“This year, Americans across the nation will mark the 20th anniversary of 9/11 attacks. To commemorate this occasion, we ask you to honor the victims and heroes of that day through acts of service that will recapture the spirit of unity that swept the nation its aftermath,” said Mei Cobb, Senior Director, Volunteer Engagement, United Way Worldwide. “In the wake of the attacks, thousands of people in the United States and around the world stepped up to support the rescue and recovery efforts; so, it is fitting that we recreate that unified spirit of service on this year’s day of action.” 

Beginning in 2002, family members who lost loved ones led the effort for to create an appropriate and fitting tribute to their loved ones and those who responded to the tragedy. The leadership of these families drove the establishment in April of 2009 of the September 11th National Day of Service and Remembrance. AmeriCorps was charged with supporting this effort across the county. 

To learn more about United Way and volunteerism, please visit: https://www.unitedway.org/get-involved/volunteer/  

About United Way
United Way fights for the health, education, and financial stability of every person in every community. With global reach and local impact, we’re making life better for 48 million people annually. United Way is the world's largest privately funded nonprofit, working in 95% of U.S. communities and 40 countries and territories. That’s why we’re the mission of choice for 2.5 million volunteers, 7.7 million donors and 45,000 corporate partners. In the wake of COVID-19, we’re helping people stay in their homes, stock their pantries, and protect their lives and livelihoods. And we’re working to build resilient, equitable communities. Learn more at UnitedWay.org. Follow us: @United Way and #LiveUnited.