In commemoration of the 15th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, the American Red Cross and 9/11 Day, a nonprofit encouraging charitable engagement, have reached out to the public to help save those in need this September by donating blood or platelets.
Launched in 2002, 9/11 Day serves as an annual day of service to honor the heroes and victims of the Sept. 11 attacks. Since 2002, it has evolved into the largest day of charitable engagement in the United States. It was officially designed as a National Day of Service and Remembrance by the U.S. Congress and President Obama in 2009, according to the National American Red Cross release.
Jay S. Winuk, co-founder of 9/11 Day, lost his brother Glenn J. Winuk in the Sept. 11 attacks. He died when the towers collapsed — a first response medical kit was found by his side.
Winuk said the Red Cross’ engagement in 9/11 Day will make a significant effect to honor the heroes of 9/11 to answer the call for blood donors.
“The growth of this observance from a grassroots initiative into the nation’s largest day of charitable engagement speaks directly to the true compassionate nature of millions of Americans and our shared desire to focus on our common humanity,” Winuk said in the release.
For the past two weeks, the American Red Cross has offered blood drives in the French Lick and Bloomington areas to encourage support for 9/11 Day. To find specific blood drive locations and dates, visit redcrossblood.org/rivervalley and sign up for a time online.
Donna M. Morrissey, director of national partnerships at Red Cross Biomedical Services, said that the Red Cross is proud to join 9/11 Day to give blood and volunteer to help commemorate the anniversary, according to the release.
“Let us honor the memory of those who gave so much to help others, and do our part to help those in need this September,” Morrissey said in the release.
Katelyn Haas
