NJCDC’s 9/11 10th Anniversary Day of Service

On September 10, 2009, President Obama designated September 11th as the national day of service in honor and remembrance of those that lost their lives in the tragic attacks in 2001. In the spirit of service, compassion and tolerance, the Paterson Community Schools Corps held the 9/11 10th Anniversary Day of Service: Unity, Tolerance & Commemoration.

On September 11th, 2011, NJCDC and its dedicated AmeriCorps Community Schools Corps engaged in a series of beatification projects in Paterson’s Greater Spruce Street community schools neighborhood. The projects took place at three of Paterson’s community schools: The Community Charter School of Paterson, School #5 and International High School. At each site, murals were painted, flowers were planted, and benches were constructed to improve the appearance of the schools and the neighborhood.

Before beginning the community service projects, the group congregated at NJCDC’s main office on Spruce Street. Over 150 community members attended the event, including New Jersey’s 8th District Congressman Bill Pascrell, Jr. and Norman Burns, a 9/11 survivor and resident of Hackensack, NJ. Burns recounted his experience of being on the 61st floor when the attacks occurred. After telling his sincere story of his determination to survive, he received a standing ovation from the crowd.

NJCDC Founder/CEO Bob Guarasci was thrilled to see the level of commitment to the city of Paterson. “This day will go down in history as a day to rekindle the spirit of service and unity that strengthened Americans during a time of tragedy, and I am delighted to see so many community members come to out to serve the City of Paterson on this significant day.”

For more information on how to volunteer with NJCDC, please contact our volunteer coordinator, Nakeefa Bernard at nbernard@njcdc.org.

View NJCDC’s 9-11 Day of Service on Flickr.