HOUSTON (September 3, 2021) – On the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, Volunteer Houston, the local affiliate of Points of Light, will take part in a nationwide day of virtual, remote, and in person volunteering. The goal of the project is to inspire one million good deeds done at home, in support of local causes, many of which relate to COVID-19 relief.
“This has become an annual ritual, a fitting and appropriate gift to the many who lost their lives and the countless others who were injured and the first responders who came to the aid of those in need,” explained Brooke Parkinson, Director of Volunteer Houston, a program of Interfaith Ministries for Greater Houston. “Volunteer Houston hopes to connect as many volunteers as possible with local organizations who are hosting acts of kindness right here in the gulf coast region.”
This year, the COVID-19 pandemic has made volunteering more challenging, though nonprofits need help more than ever. As a result, 9/11 Day will be a nationwide day of virtual, remote, and in person volunteering. This effort is being led nationally by Points of Light, 9/11 Day, and the Corporation for National and Community Service.
During the local 9/11 Day of Service – Saturday, September 11 – Volunteer Houston will make connections in the community through a centralized list of local volunteer opportunities. Volunteers, families, neighbors and coworkers can browse volunteer opportunities posted at www.volunteerhou.org/911day by local nonprofits for remote, virtual or in-person projects.
To spread a message of hope and service, individuals and families that complete good deeds during the 9/11 Days of Service are encouraged to post a comment and photo about their experience on social media with the hashtags #911day and #volunteerhouston.
Individuals who volunteer at least one hour during the 9/11 Days of Service and report their service on the Volunteer Houston web portal will earn a 9/11 Day Volunteer 2021 digital badge. Virtual projects may be done with friends, families and neighbors, and companies can encourage their employees to participate.
Participants are asked to pause for a moment of silence during their project to remember the victims of the 9/11 attack. For more information, visit https://www.volunteerhou.org/911day or contact Brooke Parkinson at brooke@volunteerhouston.org.