MLB Together, 9/11 Day volunteers gather to pack meals aboard Intrepid

NEW YORK -- September 11 will forever be marked as a day of remembrance and service, in honor of those who lost their lives in horrific attacks against the city of New York, and the United States, 23 years ago.

In honor of this day of service, MLB Together, in partnership with the non-profit organization 9/11 Day, welcomed nearly 100 employee volunteers aboard the massive Intrepid Museum to pack meals for families in need.

Volunteers from JPMorganChase and Citibank were also part of the packing fray at the museum. Together, the group packed a million non-perishable shelf-stable meals that will be donated to Feeding America-affiliated food banks all over the country.

“We have the opportunity to roll up our sleeves and pack meals in remembrance of 9/11 and in honor of all of those first responders who gave their lives … and honor the memory and the legacy of 9/11,” said April Brown, MLB vice president of social responsibility.

Brown understands firsthand what the size of this event represents, not only for the partnership with 9/11 Day but for future, perhaps larger, endeavors similar to the one at the Intrepid Museum.

“Each and every year, our employees mark the day in their calendar,” Brown said. “When we started a few years ago, we had one table of volunteers. We're up to about four to five tables this year, and each year, it will continue to grow.”

The group was joined by Royals outfielder MJ Melendez and Yankees pitcher Luke Weaver, along with 2005 American League Cy Young winner Bartolo Colon and four-time All-Star Dellin Betances.

“I think that's the most important thing as ballplayers, we're given a platform,” Melendez said. “And to be able to give back is something that I've wanted to do ever since I was younger, and being able to use this to do good.”

Speaking while he helped pack meals, Weaver also shared his thoughts on the event and what it meant to give back to a city and community that thoroughly embraces its hometown players.

“This is a really big day for our country and remembering what's happened,” Weaver said. “[I’m] just trying to be active, trying to be in the community and show that fight, show that resilience … and ready to keep going forward.”

Jay Winuk lost his brother, Glenn, in the attacks and later co-founded 9/11 Day in his memory. Glenn was a volunteer firefighter and an EMT in their hometown on Long Island. He ran into the south tower to save lives, tragically losing his own.

“It's a bittersweet day for me,” Winuk said. “I lost my brother, Glenn Winuk ... so for me, it's a very solemn day, but events like this and to see the response of MLB and so many others who come to participate and lift us up, it's such a life-affirming event.”

Winuk is inspired by the people who come together each year to honor the legacy of men and women who lost their lives on Sept. 11, 2001.

“It's an extraordinary thing to witness, to see so many people from every walk of life come together on 9/11 and engage in charitable service in honor of the day,” he said. “And it's so gratifying that we have grown it from a grassroots initiative, starting in 2002, to the nation's largest annual day of charitable engagement.”

The day of service continues for a second round on Sept. 12, after which the Food Bank for New York City and City Harvest will pick up the approximately two million meals packed. This volunteer endeavor is one of more than a dozen taking place across the country, with an ultimate goal of six million non-perishable meals packed.