More than 800 volunteers gathered at Lumen Field in Seattle on Friday to pack over 266,000 meals for families facing food insecurity, turning the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks into a day of practical service.
The two-hour event, held from 9am to 11am, was organised by the 9/11 Day Foundation as part of the largest annual day of charitable service in the United States.
Seattle volunteers pack meals for Food Lifeline
The morning began with an opening ceremony attended by Washington Lieutenant Governor Denny Heck and Seattle Fire Chief Harold Scoggins. Volunteers then worked in assembly lines, preparing non-perishable food parcels to be distributed in the local area.
Music played throughout the event and participants struck a ceremonial gong as key packing milestones were reached.
All of the meals will be donated to Food Lifeline, which will distribute them to individuals and families experiencing food insecurity across the Seattle area.
The project brought together businesses, faith groups, schools, emergency service personnel and the Seattle Seahawks. Food Lifeline chief executive Stephen Davis, 9/11 survivor Anabel Quintero and representatives from the Seattle Fire Department and Seattle Police Department were also involved.
The Seattle gathering was one of 50 large-scale service projects taking place across the country on Friday. Organisers said the wider campaign was expected to involve 50,000 volunteers packing millions of meals nationwide.
September 11 was designated a National Day of Service and Remembrance under federal law following a campaign led by 9/11 Day, an organisation founded by members of 9/11 families. The initiative has since developed into a nationwide programme of volunteering and community support.
