No Holly Morning Huddle report today – the extreme weather in Florida and now in Georgia take precedence. Markets are open of course. Today is a clash of disasters – those in the present with Hurricane Irma and those from the past when the Twin Towers flew on a ‘severe clear’ September morning 16 years ago. One involving the force of nature and the other by the hand of one madman and his followers. This will be a day of remembrance for me and a day of service too. Here in Atlanta, our neighborhood has coordinated itself to receive Florida evacuees for a night or two. Several sports organizations gave free tickets to evacuees including the weekend series with the Braves vs the Marlins and the GA Tech – Jacksonville State game.
Today’s a good day to support the American Red Cross or other charity in the service of helping those in Texas and Florida.
CNN has a couple of additional service recommendations:
Organizations host volunteer opportunities
The Points of Light Foundation has set up a
website where people can search by ZIP code for local volunteer opportunities. You can also find local ways to volunteer at
VolunteerMatch.org.
Samantha Jo Warfield from
The Corporation for National and Community Service says volunteer activities are available in all 50 states. The scope goes beyond hurricane relief, but the storms will certainly influence volunteerism this year. “What we see in Texas is a great desire to do something,” Warfield said. “The September 11 National Day of Service is an opportunity do just that.” She went on to point out that many of the volunteer opportunities will stay available long after September 11.
Charities take donations in honor of 9/11 victims
Many groups upholding the spirit of 9/11 service are taking donations. The FealGood Foundation provides advocacy and support to 9/11 responders who are now dealing with catastrophic health issues. The Families of Freedom Scholarship Fund distributes financial aid to children of 9/11 victims. Tuesday’s Children supports youth and families impacted by terrorism. The Tunnel to Towers Foundation sets up 5K runs nationwide to raise money for veterans and first responders who lost limbs in the line of duty. The Leary Firefighters Foundation helps fire departments buy new equipment. There are also maintenance funds for the 9/11 memorials in New York, Washington and Shanksville, Pennsylvania.
The US Congress designated September 11 as a national day of service eight years ago. People who lost family in the 2001 attacks requested the official day as a way to honor their loved ones. If you would like to answer that call by volunteering, donating or showing that you care, hit the Take Action button below.
