United Way of the River Cities honors memory of 9/11 with emergency preparedness events to honor, serve and unite
United Way of the River Cities honors the lives that were lost on 9/11 by engaging more than 175 volunteers to build 700 Family Emergency Preparedness Starter Kits in support of the September 11 National Day of Service and Remembrance (9/11 Day). This day of action will strive to turn a day of tragedy into a day of doing good in Huntington, W.Va.
At 6 p.m. on Sept. 20 at St. Mary’s Center for Education, volunteers from the community will create Family Emergency Preparedness Starter Kits with sample supplies needed in emergencies, and guidance for how to create and practice a disaster preparedness plan. Additionally, volunteers will learn more about preparing for an emergency from guest speakers Roy Grimmett from the American Red Cross and Joe Reckard from the Cabell-Huntington Health Department.
Click here to sign up as a volunteer kit builder. Volunteers from St. Mary’s Hospital and DIRECTV will provide volunteers to help build kits outside of this public event.
Completed kits will be distributed throughout Cabell, Wayne, Mason and Lincoln Counties in West Virginia and Lawrence County in Ohio to families who may lack adequate disaster plans and supplies. This day of action is underwritten by a grant from AmeriCorps, stewards of the September 11 National Day of Service and Remembrance.
Beginning in 2002, family members who lost loved ones led the effort to create an appropriate and fitting tribute to their loved ones and those who responded to the tragedy. The leadership of these families drove the establishment in April of 2009 of the September 11 National Day of Service and Remembrance. AmeriCorps was charged with supporting this effort across the country.
To learn more about United Way of the River Cities, please visit: unitedwayrivercities.org For upcoming volunteer opportunities, please visit: unitedwevolunteer.org
