It’s hard to believe that it’s time to turn the calendar over yet again, to September.
But this year, plan ahead to do some good, on the 16th anniversary of 9/11, now known as the Day of Service.
“We’ve been inspired by how the 9/11 Day of Service has grown,” said Amber Smith, executive director of Activate Good, a nonprofit that connects people to volunteer needs with local causes. “Our first year, we had around 400 volunteers participate. Now we have on average 2,000 to 2,500 volunteers participate each year.”
Many opportunities are available in the Triangle, to give back in commemoration of the lives lost on 9/11. You can register online to help out at more than 70 service project shifts aiding over 40 different schools and nonprofits including Habitat for Humanity, Meals on Wheels and Carolina Tiger Rescue, or even donate blood during your lunch break for the Red Cross.
To register to volunteer for a project during the 9/11 Day of Service, visit activategood.org/911day2017. Groups and companies can volunteer as a team.
On Sunday, Sept. 10 beginning at 7 a.m., the 2017 Morrisville 9/11 Memorial 5K will be held in honor and memory of all of the first responders and civilians who lost their lives during the attacks at the World Trade Center in New York City.
This race begins in front of Fire Station 1 on Town Hall Drive, and is open to all ages.
First responders are encouraged to wear their gear to show determination, as did the heroes who ascended the Twin Towers. First responders will also wear the name of a fallen firefighter, police officer or EMT who perished in the line of duty.
Event donations will go to various organizations that support fire, law enforcement and EMS personnel, as well as to The 9/11 Foundation.
And in Apex, the 9/11 Heroes Run 5K honors those who lost their lives on 9/11, as well as veterans, military and first responders.
This run will be held on Sept. 23, and begins at 8 a.m. at Eva Perry Library in Apex. Proceeds from the 9/11 Heroes Run will benefit the Travis Manion Foundation, which empowers veterans and families of fallen heroes to develop character in future generations.
The Heroes Run was inspired by Marine 1st Lt. Travis Manion, who was killed by a sniper in Iraq in April 2007 as he protected his battalion. Now in its tenth year, the 9/11 Heroes Run national race series will be held in more than 50 locations across the country and around the world.
