If you are like most adults, you still vividly recall exactly where you were when you heard the news that the Twin Towers in New York had been struck. In the following hours, days, and weeks you dealt with the heaviness of loss, of death, and of an up-close look at evil. It’s hard to believe that was 25 years ago.
But how do you make sure the memory of this day—and the people lost to it—becomes something more than grief?
For brothers Glenn and Jay Winuk, the answer was disarmingly simple. Take back the day. Turn the anniversary of 9/11 into a day of doing good. Not despite the tragedy—because of it. And so 9/11 Day was born.
This past September, as our nation marked the 25th Anniversary of 9/11/2001, Boys & Girls Clubs of the Ocoee Region (BGCOR) staff and Club members, alongside community volunteers, lead a community service project in Madisonville as part of this growing national movement to permanently transform the anniversary of 9/11 into America’s Day of Doing Good. It was our small way of helping honor the victims, survivors, and heroes of September 11th through a simple act of service, and we were incredibly proud to be a part of that mission this year!
Altogether, 35 volunteers (including 14 youth volunteers) spent an entire day on 9/19/26 creating what will forever be known as Madisonville’s 9/11 Day Resilience Garden.
Prior to the volunteer activities, participants attended a brief remembrance ceremony recognizing those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001, and honoring the bravery of first responders, military personnel, and everyday citizens who demonstrated extraordinary courage during and after the attacks.
Afterwords, staff used 9/11 Day educational materials to explain how Congress established September 11 as a National Day of Service and Remembrance and why Americans are encouraged to honor the day through acts of kindness and community service.
Youth participants participated in guided discussions about citizenship, volunteerism, resilience, and community responsibility. Throughout the project, volunteers were encouraged to reflect on how serving others helps strengthen communities and honors the legacy of those impacted by 9/11.
As for the project itself, project coordinator and BGCOR Grants Manager, Tinley Cummings, said, “Overall, the work day went smoother than I expected despite having less volunteers than we hoped for. Everyone showed up ready to get work done, and everyone was in great spirits! We finished just in time too because it started raining as soon as everyone was leaving!”
One of the most meaningful parts of our event was seeing volunteers of all ages come together to make a difference in their community.
We had several youth volunteers ranging from elementary school through high school. Initially, we were unsure how much responsibility our younger volunteers would be able to take on during such a large event, but they quickly exceeded our expectations! One fifth-grade volunteer particularly stood out. Throughout the day, she could be found on her hands and knees spreading topsoil or walking around making sure the other volunteers had drinks. Her dedication and willingness to help were a wonderful reminder that even our youngest volunteers can make a significant impact.
We were even able to use this Day of Doing Good as an opportunity for high school students to earn community service hours toward their college goals. Twelve high school students showed up to volunteer, allowing us to start and finish the project in one day! Despite the heat, all our volunteers worked with smiles on their faces throughout the event.
The completed garden will benefit not only Boys & Girls Club members, but also Madisonville Intermediate School students, faculty, staff, and families who utilize the campus. In addition, community members participating in Club and school events will have access to and benefit from the improved outdoor space. The completed garden and attractive outdoor gathering space will serve as a lasting reminder that communities become stronger when people come together in service.
