Park City: 1,200 Volunteers Unite for 9/11 Day of Service

On the 25th anniversary of 9/11, Park City is turning grief into action by mobilizing 1,200 volunteers to serve 39 local nonprofits this Saturday.

"Service breeds kindness, and it helps us unite as a people," says Vicki Plumb, board member of Serve Park City, the local organization coordinating the event. "We remember the extraordinary response from everyday people who stepped up and helped that day."

The day kicks off with a volunteer breakfast at 8 a.m. in City Park, where a first responder will speak about service. A bagpipe player will perform taps while the Summit County Sheriff's posse arrives on horseback to give a last call honoring those who died serving on 9/11.

Then volunteers scatter across Park City for three hours of hands-on work. Some will walk dogs at Nuzzles & Co or clean trails at Swaner Preserve. Others will help Live Like Sam, a youth suicide prevention nonprofit, complete teen-friendly crafts and trail projects.

Everyone returns at noon for pizza and cookies to share stories about their morning. The donated lunch gives volunteers a chance to connect and learn about nonprofits they might not have known existed in their community.

Serve Park City started just three years ago when founders funded it themselves. After two successful Days of Service, donations poured in and the organization became an official nonprofit last year. Now it serves as a year-round hub connecting volunteers with organizations that need help.

The Ripple Effect

What started as a memorial has become something bigger. For many young people who don't remember 9/11, the Day of Service teaches them about that day through action rather than just words. They learn that when tragedy strikes, ordinary people become heroes by showing up for their neighbors.

The event also gives small nonprofits crucial visibility. Organizations working on everything from affordable housing to oncology patient comfort now have a pipeline of engaged community members who understand their mission.

Plumb has seen the transformation firsthand. "I could not believe how much joy, camaraderie and acceptance and a sense of unity the Day of Service has brought out," she says. "You will get much more out of this event than you will ever put in."

The beauty of the program is its simplicity. No special skills required, no tools needed. Just show up as yourself and spend a few hours making Park City better.

Park City proves that the best way to honor heroes is to become one yourself.