#United States #Houston #Community Service #Sewa International #9/11

Sewa International Commemorates 9/11 with Community Service and Remembrance

On September 11, 2025, Sewa International organized a series of activities across the United States to honor the resilience and unity demonstrated by Americans following the tragic terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. This significant initiative saw the participation of over 1,740 volunteers who engaged in a variety of service projects in 15 states.

Sewa's efforts included 54 activities spanning 41 different cities. Volunteers took part in preparing sandwiches and burritos, assembling hygiene kits, and donating backpacks to schoolchildren in need. In addition, they planted 120 trees and native plants, restored park benches in local parks, and collected 600 native seeds, all aimed at supporting local communities and the environment.

In Chesterfield, New Jersey, the event on September 7 featured notable guests such as State Senator Latham Tiver. He praised Sewa's efforts as a meaningful way to honor the memories of those lost on 9/11 by strengthening community bonds through service. More than 200 attendees worked alongside volunteers over two days to restore 125 cedar benches, meticulously sanding and applying protective coatings to ensure their durability.

Sewa's Detroit chapter also hosted a poignant event on September 13, gathering 150 volunteers. State Representative for Michigan's 56th House District, Sharon MacDonell, emphasized the power of collective action during her speech, suggesting that increased community involvement could lead to a more harmonious society. This sentiment resonated with many as they remembered the tragic events while transforming that memory into actionable support for their communities.

The efforts did not stop there; in Dallas, Texas, a Day of Service held at the Veterans Resource Center involved organizing a food drive, assembling hygiene kits, and recognizing veterans through a heartfelt ceremony. Similarly, over 100 volunteers ventured to the National India Hub in Schaumburg, Illinois, on September 11, working in collaboration with AmeriCorps and 9/11day.org to prepare 500 sandwiches, assemble 200 hygiene kits, and conduct recycling activities.

In Johns Creek, Georgia, a reflective gathering of over 100 participants took place on September 13. Mayor Pro Tem Dilip Tunki spoke on the themes of heroism and resilience, encouraging attendees to remember the significance of unity in times of adversity. Meanwhile, in Houston, Texas, more than 30 volunteers prepared and distributed sandwiches and burritos to underprivileged individuals in the downtown area as part of a 9/11 Day of Service event.

Sewa International’s President, Srikanth Gundavarapu, shared the organization's commitment to honoring the sacrifices made during 9/11 by encouraging service to others. He stated, "Serving others is the best way to honor those family members, neighbors, friends, coworkers, and frontline workers we lost on 9/11. Each event we organized reminded us of hundreds of innocent lives lost in those dastardly attacks, linking their sacrifices with the action in the present to secure our nation, support vulnerable communities, and promote unity and well-being for all."

Sewa encourages individuals to carry the spirit of 9/11 service forward by donating time, skills, or resources to local causes, fostering a culture of compassion and community support. For further details about Sewa International and their initiatives, visit www.sewausa.org or contact them via email at [email protected].

About Sewa International

Sewa International is a 501(c)(3) Hindu faith-based charitable nonprofit organization focused on disaster recovery, education, and community development. With 43 chapters across the United States, Sewa serves communities regardless of race, color, religion, sex, age, disability, or national origin.