Group uses 9/11 to inspire good deeds

There are many positive ways that Americans can remember Sept. 11, 2001, an otherwise tragic day that united the nation.

There are potentially as many positive ways as there are Americans, and each community can benefit from them.

A nationwide, congressionally endorsed effort named MyGood Deed is working to establish a longterm, meaningful and positive way to honor the day each year.

Founded in 2003 by David Paine, the campaign has already engaged more than 3 million Americans in acts of community service and other good deeds.

The goal is to change the nation for the better, not only generating expressions of charitable giving and service, but creating a way to rekindle the spirit of unity that was so clearly felt on 9/11.

The nonprofit public benefit corporation honors the victims, family members and survivors of the attacks on America, the rescue and recovery workers, and the thousands of volunteers who gave so much on and after Sept. 11.

The organization is working to establish Sept. 11 as a national day of voluntary service, charity and compassion by encouraging individuals, employers and groups to permanently set aside time during the week of Sept. 11 each year to help others in need through service or other giving activities.

There are many ways you can help:

+You can volunteer at a community food bank.

+You can volunteer with the Points of Light Foundation and Volunteer Center National Network.

+You can donate blood.

+You can help hurricane victims rebuild their lives.

+You can prepare and train for all hazards and support local emergency responders through Citizen Corps.

+Register your talents for nonprofits to find how the national day of voluntary service may help determine how future generations remember Sept. 11.

The site offers a wealth of volunteer organizations to choose from.

MyGoodDeed is not affiliated with any charity or organization. It is a partnership of the Points of Light Foundation, Youth Service America, American Red Cross and Citizen Corps.

To register your confidential, nonbinding intention to join the effort, visit www.MyGoodDeed.org.

There are many ways people can help. The key is to perform at least one good deed that helps another person or persons in need.

This story provided by North American Precis Syndicate, Inc.