Across the country, thousands of volunteers honored the lives lost on 9/11 through the 9/11 National Day of Service and Remembrance, participating in projects that strengthened neighborhoods and supported those in need. In Utah, UServeUtah led United in Service Week (September 8–13), bringing communities together to serve, connect, and make a difference across the state.
A Night of Inspiration: Movie Screening on September 10
The week kicked off with a special screening of A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood, the inspiring film about kindness, connection, and the power of being a good neighbor.
Hosted by UServeUtah, the event included a special appearance by First Lady Abby Cox in Salt Lake City. Additional screenings were held across Sandy, Ogden, Centerville, Vineyard, Providence, and Cedar City.
Admission was free, with the simple ask that attendees take a pledge to bring kindness to their neighborhoods, serving seniors or older adults in their communities. The screenings set the tone for a week focused on meaningful action and personal connection.
Some pledges to help seniors included:
- "I plan to serve seniors and older adults in my community by organizing supply drives to collect essential items they may need, such as socks, books, daily hygiene products, and blankets. This support helps provide comfort and care while ensuring they feel valued and connected to the community.”
- “Through friendly, positive service in taking people to medical appointments. Showing some kindness and laughter.”
- “Donate craft and hobby materials to my mother-in-law's senior care facility.”
- “Being present”
Honoring 9/11: National Day of Service at the Jon M. Huntsman Center
On September 11, volunteers gathered at the Jon M. Huntsman Center in Salt Lake City to honor lives lost through service. In Utah, volunteers packed 153,540 meals for the Utah Food Bank, contributing to a nationwide total of more than 9.5 million meals packed in honor of 9/11. These meals will directly support families in need.
Special thanks to the Utah Food Bank for helping move and distribute pallets of meals, and Hunger Fight, the meal supply partner, for making this effort possible. The dedication, energy, and teamwork of volunteers made the day deeply meaningful, demonstrating how communities can unite to make a tangible difference.
Recap Video:
United in Service in Clearfield: September 13
The week concluded in Clearfield at Bicentennial Park, where UServeUtah partnered with America250 Utah and Intermountain Health to host a United in Service project honoring military members and their families.
Highlights of the Clearfield event included:
- 65 volunteers of all ages
- 500 children’s comfort and activity kits assembled
- 96 letters written to active service members
- Visits to a community resource fair connecting volunteers with 10 organizations supporting military families
Volunteers included high school students, military families, AmeriCorps members, and retired military couples reflecting on how these kits could have helped their own families.
A remembrance program opened the day, with Scout Troop 78 Clearfield presenting the colors, MSgt Isaiah King performing the National Anthem, and speakers including Jimmy Martello, Mayor Mark Shepherd, Representative Karen Peterson, and Mike Mower. Together, they honored lives lost, celebrated ongoing service, and highlighted the spirit of unity.
What Are United in Service Projects?
UServeUtah's United in Service projects bring communities together through meaningful volunteerism. These projects help people grow personally, build connections, and address specific community needs. We achieve this by working closely with local partners to create each project.
If you're ready to experience this firsthand, we invite you to join us! We host these impactful projects quarterly throughout the state, giving you consistent opportunities to contribute. You can be the first to know about an opportunity near you by signing up for our newsletter.
Beyond volunteering, you can also propose a project idea for your community.