Detroit's 9/11 Day of Service

Mission: To rekindle the spirit of unity and service felt in the days following 9/11/01, transforming the day from one of tragedy into one of profound positive impact.

9/11 Day was created shortly after the September 11th terrorist attacks by David Paine and Jay Winuk. David and Jay wanted something good to come from the loss of so many lives in the 9/11 tragedy, including Jay’s younger brother, Glenn, an attorney and volunteer firefighter who was killed while responding at the World Trade Center. They began with a simple idea: Let’s take back the day by turning the anniversary of 9/11 into a day of doing good.

By inspiring millions of Americans and others to volunteer, donate to charities, and perform other good deeds and acts of kindness, 9/11 Day has become a positive and appropriate ways for Americans to annually keep the promise to “Never Forget” those killed and injured on 9/11, as well as the many who courageously rose in service in response to the attacks – first responders, recovery workers, and volunteers – along with members of our military.

Each year, we partner with the Corporation for National and Community Service, AmeriCorps, and a long list of partners to hold meal-packing events for local food banks across the country.

Annually in Detroit, volunteers will come together to pack over 200,000 meals for people experiencing food insecurity in the local community. The meals will be donated to Forgotten Harvest. Nationwide, more than 25,000 volunteers will pack 8 million meals for those at risk of hunger in America.