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The inestimably horrific day we know by the shorthand 9/11 is no easier to reconcile 10 years later. We lost many lives that day, and we lost a more open, trusting and fearless way of life. But 9/11 also wrought, somehow, one of the most spontaneous and durable outpourings of good the world has ever seen. All over the nation, Americans dedicated themselves to helping others.
Again this year on 9/11 Day Observance, many Americans will serve others as a way to honor the 9/11 victims, their family members, survivors, rescue workers and volunteers. To find a great way you can participate, enter your ZIP code in the Create the Good volunteer opportunity locator.
The events of 9/11 inspired some Americans to volunteer as they never had before. Here are three stories about those people.
Volunteer Fire Fighter
John Battistoni, 57, wanted to become a volunteer fire fighter but feared he was too old and heavy. He wasn't. Watch
Volunteer Hunger Fighter
Zamir Hassan, 62, decided it was time to give back. He began feeding hungry people — many hungry people. Watch
Volunteer Blanket Makers
Retirement village residents learned that traumatized children needed blankets. They began making them. Watch
Consider your talents when picking a cause and put your experience to use. read
Michelle Obama and Jill Biden rally support for military families. read
Retired fire fighter Lee Ielpi lost a son on 9/11. Today at Ground Zero, he shares stories about victims, survivors and heroes. read
Your Life Calling
Meet Chaplain Richard Rittmaster, who left his job as a Lutheran minister to enroll in the U.S. Army National Guard after 9/11. Watch
Editor's Letter
What we need to do to rebuild our nation's foundation. read
What I Really Know
After 9/11, it became evident that what happens in school does have meaning beyond the walls of the classroom. read
Tragedy makes people appreciate family and friends more. read
We asked five well-known Americans to explain what was motivating them to make a difference during the 9/11 Day of Service in 2010. Read their moving responses.
A Man With a Mission
"All our lives changed that day." The Grammy winner spent the ninth anniversary distributing food. Read
Observing the Surfer's Code
"The great feeling from giving back can help us beat terror." The veteran surfer organizes his peers to protect the environment. Read
Cooking and Writing to Fight Injustice
"In Arabic and Hebrew, 'bread' and 'life' are very close in meaning." The chef and author took on illiteracy as a day of service. Read
'Swing a Hammer, Swinging a Paintbrush'
"We, as Americans, just rushed in." For this U.S. lawmaker, remembering Sept. 11 was a hands-on effort. Read
Singing to Help Kids Is Dear to his Heart
"Everybody sees what we have in common." For the former Platters singer, lending a hand is for every day, not just Sept. 11. Read
On Sept. 11, 2009, the first National Day of Service and Remembrance, AARP Bulletin asked six journalists to volunteer for a variety of projects. Read their powerful essays about their experiences.
First-time volunteer with Meals on Wheels discovers a tight-knit support network. Read
Volunteering on a community gardens food truck proves to be life-affirming service in honor of 9/11. Read
An unfulfilled wish to volunteer on 9/11 becomes a long-term pledge to help a retirement community. Read
Even when life gets tough, a woman stays her course of helping others — especially on 9/11. Read
There's magic to be found helping out with the "horse stuff" of a riding-therapy ranch for kids. Read
Create the Good will give you a chance to win up to $15,000 for your favorite charity and even a little for yourself. Enter
Looking for ways to volunteer on 9/11? Or maybe you'd like to share stories from your own volunteering experiences. Either way, you’ll find plenty of good ideas in our Create the Good online conversation.
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