As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace. 1 Peter 4:10.

For all of us 9/11 conjures up images of tragedy, devastation and sadness. The iconic twin towers crumbled. Three thousand innocent men, women and children lost their lives to terrorism. But, out of the debris and ashes that accumulated, the human spirit rose with strangers helping each other. Countless acts of service and compassion followed for days after. What was meant to break us apart only brought us closer. The acts of service that swarmed New York City in 2002 inspired the nonprofit organization MyGoodDeed along with other service organizations to launch 9/11 as National Day of Service and Remembrance.

Since then the 11th of September is seen not just as a day where we were victimized by terrorism. It is now a day where we can all engage in charitable acts as a tribute we pay to the victims of 9/11, the survivors and to those people who selflessly helped those in need.

And how do we pay tribute and continue the process of building our nation? On this day there will be service and remembrance activities in all 50 states at which there will be many volunteer opportunities.

Most service organizations need volunteers to paint and refurbish homes, run food drives, spruce up schools, reclaim neighborhoods, and support and honor veterans, soldiers, military families, and first responders.

Many service projects also revolve around creating care packages for homeless veterans, brightening classrooms for children, and cleaning local parks.

If you can’t find a project in your community you can reach out to any local organization and see how you could be of help. You can organize a food drive or help out at a soup kitchen. A number of senior centers are always in need of volunteers.

Be part of the National Day of Service and Remembrance so that 9/11 can become our beacon of hope and humanity.

For more information on volunteer opportunities checkout www.serve.gov.