MEDIA ADVISORY
CONTACT:
Melissa Bunker / marketwrite@comcast.net / (586) 219-0094
Keeping America’s Promise to “Never Forget”
23 years after 9/11, Americans have transformed the anniversary of the
September 11 attacks into to the largest day of service in America
- Hundreds of volunteers from throughout Detroit to join together in unity to pack
- 245,000 meals in observance of 9/11 Day, the federally-recognized September
- 11 National Day of Service and Remembrance, and Hunger Action Month
WHAT: On September 11, 2024, to mark the 23rd anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks and Hunger Action Month, nearly 900 volunteers from throughout the Detroit community will join together in the spirit of unity and pay tribute by helping to pack 245,000 healthy, non-perishable meals for those at risk of hunger. All the meals will be donated to Forgotten Harvest for distribution to individuals and families in need in the Detroit area. The project will be held at the Wayne State University Fieldhouse from 9 AM to 3 PM.
According to Feeding America, more than 44 million Americans, including one in five children, are food insecure in the United States.
In its inaugural year, the Detroit Meal Pack for 9/11 Day is one of 21 large volunteer service projects being organized by the nonprofit organization “9/11 Day.”
The 9/11 Day Meal Pack Program is being sponsored nationally by the federal agency AmeriCorps, which oversees national service programs throughout the United States, and by Delta Air Lines and Reliance, Inc. Other national program sponsors include JPMorgan Chase, Pfizer, Citi, Tractor Supply Co., Stifel, KBW, Western Alliance Bank, Holland & Knight, and Nestlé.
Delta Air Lines has also joined as a lead sponsor of the Detroit Meal Pack for 9/11 Day, along with Flagstar Bank, Sylvan, and Vibe Credit Union, and Merrill. Additionally, more than 20 prominent organizations from the area are helping to support the Detroit project as well.
Employees of these organizations, and others, will be among as many as 30,000 individuals nationally who are expected to volunteer at 9/11 Day Meal Packs, assembling more than 8.5 million meals for food insecure Americans.
WHEN: Wednesday, September 11, 2024
Volunteer Shifts Start/End Time: 9 – 11 AM; 1 – 3 PM
NOTE: Spokesperson interviews may be available during early morning set-up, beginning at 8:00 AM upon request.
WHERE: Wayne State Fieldhouse; 1290 W Warren Ave, Detroit, Michigan. Volunteers park in Parking Lot 50, located at 1200 W. Warren, adjacent to the Fieldhouse. Parking in Lot 50 is free to 9/11 Day event participants.
CONTACT ON 9/11: Melissa Bunker; mbunker@campbellmarketing.com; (586) 219-0094.
WHO: The Detroit Meal Pack for 9/11 Day is being co-hosted locally by 9/11 Day, AmeriCorps, Forgotten Harvest, and Wayne State University, with support from the Commemorative Air Force. Food suppliers and meal packing logistics are being provided by Meals from the Heartland.
PARTICIPATING ORGANIZATIONS: Many organizations from throughout the Detroit community plan to support and participate in the Detroit Meal Pack for 9/11 Day. These include: the Detroit Tigers, DLH Corporation, Erie Architectural Products, ROSS Controls, Brio Living Services, Malace|HR, Bob’s Discount Furniture, Motherson, Target, Daifuku North America, Class Valuation, Comcast, Aalberts, ARCH Global Holdings, SRS Raise the Roof Foundation, Ruoff Mortgage, Semperis, Vodafone and HMS.
NOTES: Volunteer spots are very limited. This is NOT a public call for volunteers. Video crews are welcome. Please note: Media and media trucks can also utilize the smaller South Parking Lot on Warren just past the Parking Lot 50 entrance.
INTERVIEW OPPORTUNITIES:
B-ROLL/VIDEOS: Available HERE.
National (via phone or Zoom):
● David Paine and Jay Winuk, co-founders of 9/11 Day. Contact Dominique.carver@911day.org to schedule these interviews.
In Detroit:
● Members of the Detroit community who are participating as volunteers in the project, possibly including veterans, faith, and community leaders.
● Representatives from Forgotten Harvest.
● MORE ABOUT 9/11 DAY: 9/11 Day is the nonprofit organization that worked successfully with the U.S. Congress and the President of the United States to formally establish September 11 as a “National Day of Service and Remembrance” under bi-partisan federal law. Today, that important observance, known as “9/11 Day,” has grown to become the largest day of charitable service in U.S. history. More than 30 million Americans participate annually by volunteering, supporting charities, and doing good deeds. Visit 911day.org for more information.