Triangle residents volunteer to help community on 9/11

Carter Ellis says he was maybe 6 years old when the two planes crashed into the twin towers and exploded, killing thousands of innocent people and robbing most Americans of their sense of security. Carter says what he remembers about that time is how people rallied to help one another. He followed that lead Monday and volunteered his time.

"I think it was a good image of the country coming together," he said.

Hundreds of Triangle residents took part in a Day of Service. The campaign started on the 10-year anniversary of 9/11 and since then the number of participating non-profit partners has quadrupled.

"We're growing leaps and bounds, and certainly happy to have so many volunteers come out today on a day like this and give back," said organizer Rose Thompson.

The nonprofit organization Activate Good, organized the 9/11 Day of Service.

Wells Fargo employees could be found sprucing up Marbles Museum for young kids, many of whom might not truly understand what happened 16 years ago.

"The kids that play here weren't even born when 9/11 happened, but all the people that we have here were. It just means a lot that they can come back and give back to their community not only today but throughout the year," said Wells Fargo Community Affairs Officer Carrie Gray.

At the Burkett Farm, folks were harvesting produce which will be sent to the Inter-Faith Food Shuttle.

Carter says volunteering is the least he can do to help his neighbors considering the sacrifices others have made.

"Especially, the firefighters and policeman that died," said Ellis.

There will be one last Day of Service volunteer opportunity on Tuesday, September 19 at the Raleigh Convention Center during a commemoration ceremony. the event will run from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.