25 years after 9/11, North Carolinians turn remembrance into a day of service

Twenty-five years after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, North Carolinians gathered Friday to honor those who died by giving back to their local community.

Inside the gym at the Chavis Park Community Center, crowds of volunteers joined Activate Good’s annual 9/11 Day of Service and Remembrance in Raleigh. Participants spent the afternoon working on projects designed to support Triangle organizations and residents.

Rose Thompson, executive director of Activate Good, said more than 375 volunteers signed up to help. Since 2010, the group has been working to turn the anniversary into an opportunity for service.

Tables lined every corner of the gym, each representing a different service organization where volunteers could help pack food, clothes and other necessities for those in need. Volunteers could also donate blood with the American Red Cross at the center.

Thompson told the volunteers the organization had been planning the event since January. They partnered with over 600 groups in the Triangle, including local parks, shelters and community centers.

“Today is a day of tragedy, but thanks to all of you in this room, it’s a day of unity, hope, compassion, healing and action,” she said.

For some volunteers, the anniversary offered a chance to reflect on an event they remembered personally. For others, including younger volunteers, it was an opportunity to learn about an event that happened before they were born.

Matthew Tracy, who volunteered Friday with his mom, helps her oversee Active Kids, a nonprofit dedicated to helping children become service leaders in their communities. He said he often jokes that he was born into service.

“It’s a blessing that we can help people who are in need, and I think everyone should come out and do this,” he said. “If you go to a food bank, a diaper bank, a homeless shelter, you can just give an hour of your time, and that’s very special.”

Stein honors North Carolina National Guard on 25th anniversary of 9/11

Gov. Josh Stein also attended the event Friday, reflecting on the lasting significance of Sept. 11 and the ways North Carolinians have responded to moments of tragedy and crisis.

Stein praised Activate Good members for creating the day of service and working directly with other organizations through the Triangle and the state.

“So many of us want to find ways to give back, but we don’t know how to do it,” he said. “You’ve made that easy for us, and we’re very appreciative.”