Volunteers pack meals for those in need on 9/11 anniversary

MANHATTAN, N.Y. (PIX11) -- More than six thousand volunteers in New York City for the 23rd anniversary of Sept. 11 and the 8th year of NYC Meal Pack on the Intrepid. 

It was a national day of action of giving back and volunteering on the anniversary of one of America’s greatest tragedies. 

The meals were packed for people experiencing food insecurity in the local community.

Miss USA and Second Lieutenant Alma Cooper packed bags of food with each bag representing hope and love for her country. From a family of heroes, her father is a retired U.S. Army major. "The meals that we pack today are going to impact lives all across the city," said Cooper.

Jay Winuk is the co-founder of 9/11 Day. His younger brother Glenn was killed on 9/11 in the line of duty, now a national hero. Winuk says it’s only fitting to have a national day of service to remember those lost, including his best friend. 

"My brother would have been first in line for this kind of thing. He was somebody who lived his life and died in service to other people," said Winuk.

More than 600 companies took part. Their employees rolled up their sleeves and got busy packing bags of food and before each shift of service, a moment of silence to remember why they were there.  

After prayer, the Intrepid was converted into a sea of hope and hands in action. In the middle of all the service, more than 500 employees from JPMorgan Chase. Two million meals put together just in NYC.

The food was donated to City Harvest and the Food Bank of New York. 

"It's pretty special. It helps fulfill the nation's promise: to never forget," said Winuk.