Millions again will pay tribute on 9/11 through charity … and tweets

NEW YORK, NY – Organizers of the annual 9/11 National Day of Service and Remembrance (“9/11 Day”), founded in 2002, estimate that as many as 50 million Americans, the most ever, will pay tribute this September 11th by taking time to help others through charity and good deeds. They also expect millions to post messages of support through Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

“9/11 is now the nation’s largest annual day of charitable engagement. It’s no longer defined solely by the acts of terrorists,” said David Paine, co-founder and president of 9/11 Day. Added 9/11 Day co-founder Jay Winuk, who lost his brother Glenn Winuk, a volunteer firefighter and EMT rescuer in the 9/11 attacks: “Helping others in need is a very appropriate and meaningful way to honor the victims of 9/11. I’m surely grateful that millions of people are paying tribute to my brother and all the victims by marking this solemn day with charitable action.”

To help inspire participation, 9/11 Day organizers are staging what they believe will be the largest social media tribute ever, called the #911Day Tribute. They’ve invited prominent celebrities, organizations and millions of individuals to tweet messages of support or a good deed on the morning of September 11. Musical artist Snoop Dog, who has one of the largest Twitter accounts with more than 11 million followers, is planning to participate, as are other prominent individuals. Americans can share messages, service plans and good deeds for 9/11 at 911day.org, and through Facebook (@911day), and Instagram (@911dayofservice).

Across the nation, thousands of volunteer service projects are also planned, including large scale projects in New York City; Washington, DC; Phoenix; Miami; Boston; Los Angeles; Ft. Lauderdale and Dallas. Online, 9/11 Day organizers also are providing lesson plans, at 911day.org, for teachers and parents, along with toolkits for businesses, nonprofits and other organizations.

Many prominent national nonprofits are again joining in, among them AARP, local affiliates of the HandsOn Network, American Red Cross, George Washington University, KaBOOM!, New York Cares, Taproot Foundation, John Jay College of Criminal Justice, Super Service Challenge, Reward Volunteers, A Billion + Change, Points of Light Institute and many local United Way affiliates.