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L.A. Works Unites Angelenos for 25th Anniversary Commemoration of 9/11

This September marks a significant moment as L.A. Works, a prominent nonprofit organization based in Los Angeles, invites the community to engage in a week-long series of hands-on service events to honor the 25th anniversary of September 11, 2001. Supported by the 2026 9/11 Day Grant Program, in collaboration with AmeriCorps, this initiative aims to transform a day of mourning into a celebration of community action and service.

As many as 100 million Americans may not have personal memories of the events of that fateful day, making it crucial to create opportunities that not only memorialize the tragedy but also commemorate the extraordinary acts of compassion and unity that followed. During this week, L.A. Works aims to ensure future generations remember the spirit of community and resilience that emerged in the wake of 9/11.

Key Events of the Week

September 9: Beautification Project

Kicking off with a beautification project at the Frank Hotchkin Memorial Training Center, volunteers will take part in restoring fire engines, painting, and planting. This event serves as a tribute to the emergency service personnel who risk their lives to protect communities.

September 13: Fire Mitigation at Barnsdall Art Park

On September 13, volunteers will engage in fire mitigation activities at Barnsdall Art Park. This includes the removal of invasive plants and brush to reduce fire risks around the park, further demonstrating the community’s commitment to environmental stewardship alongside honoring 9/11 responders.

Deborah Brutchey, the Executive Director of L.A. Works, expressed the importance of this week in her statement: “September 11 was a terrible day of loss, and twenty-five years later, we have an opportunity to honor those who were lost and put in harm's way by choosing service.”

According to Brutchey, when individuals come together to support each other, it not only strengthens community bonds but also creates a more compassionate society. “That’s something we can choose to carry forward,” she adds, emphasizing the powerful role community service plays in healing and unity.

Aside from these flagship events, L.A. Works encourages Angelenos to participate in various local service projects throughout the entire week. By volunteering, they can create lasting memories that honor the bravery of those directly impacted by September 11.

About L.A. Works

Since its inception in 1991, L.A. Works has been committed to mobilizing volunteers to address pressing community issues in the greater Los Angeles area. As the only organization of its kind in Los Angeles, L.A. Works has successfully engaged tens of thousands of volunteers annually to make a tangible impact on vulnerable communities. In 2025 alone, volunteers contributed over 175,000 service hours, representing an estimated value of $7,024,500 to local nonprofits.

By acknowledging significant events like September 11 and transforming them into a call for service, L.A. Works embodies the spirit of resilience and compassion that defines Los Angeles. For more information about volunteering or the events planned for this commemorative week, visit www.laworks.com.