Volunteers Honor 9/11 Victims By Helping Others On National Day Of Service
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- While many are taking time to reflect and remember those lost in the terror attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, countless others are spending the day giving back, helping others on the 3rd annual National Day of Service.
"We're always going to remember those who lost their lives," said David Paine, co-founder of the 9/11 Day Observance and the non-profit MyGoodDeed. "We wanted to create something that would be inspirational, something that New Yorkers and Americans would be excited to participate in every single year."
Founder Jay Winuk said the goal of 9/11 Day is to rekindle the spirit of unity in the days following the attacks.
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"The amazing spirit of compassion and community service that grew out of 9/11 was so natural and evident immediately after the attacks," Winuk said.
He is encouraging people to use the day to do a good deed, much like his brother did racing into the towers on that fateful day.
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"He would have been first in line for this had he not perished," Winuk said. "He was a very giving and caring person."
Representatives of MyGoodDeed rang the opening bell Tuesday morning at the New York Stock Exchange in memory of the victims of the terrorist attacks.
In East Harlem, hundreds of volunteers are painting hallways and doors of a veterans' residence on East 118th Street. Volunteers are also assembling hygiene kits for homeless veterans.
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MyGoodDeed started 9/11 Day in 2002 to encourage volunteerism and remember the victims of the terrorist attacks in a positive way. In 2009, the organization helped establish 9/11 as a National Day of Service and Remembrance.
Last year, for the 10-year anniversary of 9/11, more than 33 million people participated.
To find volunteer opportunities in your neighborhood or to share what you will do on this day of service click here.
Meanwhile, Westchester County is giving its residents an opportunity to perform a good deed.
A book drive is being held at the Kensico Dam Plaza. The donated paperback novels will be shipped to members of the military. Kensico will also host a food drive Tuesday and there will be a blood drive at the Westchester County Center on Wednesday.
