Honoring 9/11 Through Service With New York Cares

For the second year, I spent time volunteering with New York Cares during the 9/11 Day of Service at the Intrepid Museum. Serving on such a meaningful day was a powerful reminder of what New Yorkers can accomplish when we work together.

This year, I volunteered as a table captain during the large-scale meal-packing event. Thousands of volunteers came together throughout the week to prepare more than three million meals for New Yorkers experiencing food insecurity. The packaged meals included the ingredients needed to make jambalaya and were assembled right on the Intrepid.

The scale of the event was incredible. Tables filled the space as groups worked side by side, packing ingredients and preparing finished meal kits for distribution. Music played throughout the event, the DJ kept the energy high, and the atmosphere felt joyful while still honoring the importance of the occasion.

My Role as a Table Captain

As a table captain, I helped guide groups from participating companies through the meal-packing process. Each new group needed instructions, encouragement, and support so everyone could work safely and efficiently.

My role involved managing the activity at my table, explaining each step, helping participants stay organized, and keeping the process moving. Volunteers rotated through different responsibilities as they measured ingredients and sealed the completed bags.

Watching coworkers settle into a rhythm together was one of my favorite parts of the experience. Some participants arrived unsure of what to expect. Within a short time, everyone was communicating and finding a way to contribute.

There was also a friendly sense of competition as tables worked toward their packing goals. The music helped keep the momentum going, and the DJ was fantastic. The vibes truly were immaculate.

A Full Week of Service

Although 9/11 Day is centered around September 11, the volunteer effort extended across several shifts throughout the week. That schedule allowed more individuals and companies to participate while significantly increasing the number of meals prepared.

The New York Cares staff handled the experience with warmth and care. Team members made sure table captains had the information and support needed to lead each group. They were also gracious enough to provide food before and after our shift, which was deeply appreciated after several hours of standing, guiding volunteers, and keeping the tables moving.

Every detail reflected thoughtful planning. Volunteers could focus on serving because the staff created such a welcoming and organized environment.

Remembering Through Action

September 11 carries an especially deep meaning in New York City. The Day of Service offers a way to honor the lives lost by choosing to help others.

For me, returning for a second year made the experience even more meaningful. I knew the day would involve hard work and a lot of energy. I also knew I would leave feeling grateful that I had participated.

Service creates a living form of remembrance. The packed meals will reach people facing food insecurity across New York City, allowing the impact of the event to continue long after the final shift ends.

What Community Service Means to BAM Digital Media

At first glance, packing meals may not appear directly connected to digital literacy. Community, however, sits at the center of BAM Digital Media’s work.

BAM Digital Media was created to help students, educators, and families navigate a changing digital world. Delivering that work requires more than teaching lessons about algorithms or online safety. Stronger communities are built when people share knowledge and take responsibility for one another.

Volunteering gives me another way to live out those values.

My work regularly brings me into schools and neighborhood events, where I meet families trying to understand how technology affects their children. Community service allows me to support New Yorkers in a different capacity while staying connected to the people BAM Digital Media exists to serve.

Being visible in the community also matters. I want families and organizational partners to know that BAM Digital Media is invested in New York City beyond workshops and business opportunities. Participation means showing up and contributing where help is needed.

Leadership Happens in Many Places

Serving as a table captain also reinforced lessons that apply to my work as an educator and business owner. Leadership often looks like giving clear directions and helping people feel comfortable contributing. Strong leadership also requires paying attention to the energy of a group and stepping in when someone needs guidance.

Those same skills show up when I facilitate a student workshop, train educators, or lead a family digital literacy session. Every group brings different experiences into the room. My responsibility is to create an environment where people can participate and understand how their contribution connects to the larger goal.

At the Intrepid, that larger goal was feeding New Yorkers. Through BAM Digital Media, the goal is helping communities become safer and more confident in digital spaces. Both forms of service begin with meeting people where they are.

Grateful to Serve Again

I am grateful to New York Cares and the 9/11 Day organizers for creating an opportunity that brought so many people together in service. I also appreciate every company and volunteer who arrived ready to work.

Returning as a table captain for my second year reminded me how much can happen when people bring their time and effort to one shared purpose.

BAM Digital Media will continue showing up for students and families through digital literacy education. I plan to keep showing up for my community through service as well.