STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — On the 24th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, Staten Island resident Jeanette Gutierrez, along with a dedicated group of volunteers, led a charge on Sept. 3 for kindness and unity in New York City.

The event, part of the ongoing “11 Days of Kindness and Unity” campaign, aimed to honor the lives lost on 9/11 by inspiring random acts of kindness throughout the city.

The event was organized by Pay It Forward 9/11 founder Kevin Tuerff and the organization’s board, which includes Gutierrez.

Volunteers gathered at Xavier Mission on West 15 Street, Manhattan, to distribute free coffee, wristbands, and smile cards, offering kind words and random acts of goodwill to passersby.

Volunteers also shared personal reflections on the significance of kindness in the wake of tragedy, pledging to continue spreading goodwill throughout the #11DaysofKindness campaign.

“After the 9/11 attacks, people all over the world came together as one to help each other and support those in need,” said Tuerff. “Now is the time to plan an act of kindness with other people in your circles, register your kindness commitment online, and help restore unity through kindness, which creates a ripple effect.”

A legacy of kindness

Pay It Forward 9/11 was founded in 2002 by Tuerff, one of the thousands of airline passengers stranded in Gander, Newfoundland, on 9/11.

In that moment, Tuerff was moved by the kindness of the small Canadian town’s residents, who provided food, shelter, and comfort to the stranded travelers.

Inspired by this experience, he created Pay It Forward 9/11 to honor the spirit of compassion and kindness.

This year’s campaign features a range of kindness-driven activities, including random acts of goodwill, volunteer efforts, and creative ways to engage communities in spreading joy.

Planned acts on tap

A series of acts of kindness are planned throughout the week, including:

  • Sept. 10: A screening of the Come From Away musical (Apple TV version) at Pace University.
  • Sept. 11: 125 students from Warren Township, NJ, will join the 9/11 Memorial to sing the national anthem and speak on the importance of kindness.
  • Sept. 11: Teams from the American Thoracic Society will perform random acts of kindness across the Ground Zero neighborhood.
  • Sept. 11: Employees at FiDi Hotel will share extra kindness with guests and neighbors.
  • Sept. 11: Pace University students will spread kindness through random acts and share their experiences.

“During those dark days, we pledged to never forget those lives taken on 9/11 and the kindness and bravery of helpers and first responders,” Tuerff said. “Our 11 Days of Kindness campaign honors those killed in 2001 on 9/11, and also the heroes who volunteered with acts of compassion.”

How to participate

This September, Pay It Forward 9/11 encourages everyone to join in the movement by participating in acts of kindness. Here are a few ideas:

  • Teachers can download free #11DaysofKindness for Kids classroom lesson plans and activities from the Pay It Forward 9/11 website.
  • Write thank-you notes to first responders, healthcare workers, military personnel, or essential workers.
  • Buy a tank of gas for a stranger at the gas station.
  • Pay for a beverage for the person behind you in line and encourage them to “pay it forward.”
  • Ask a restaurant or bar if you can pick up the tab for a nearby table and insert a note saying, “Smile! You’re the recipient of a random act of kindness.”

    • Over the past 24 years, the campaign has inspired individuals, corporate groups, and schools to unite in kindness. The #11DaysofKindness culminates each year on September 11, National Day of Remembrance and Service.

    Volunteers from various organizations, including Pace University, the American Thoracic Society, and FiDi Hotel, joined in to carry the torch of kindness across the city.

    To inspire others, participants are encouraged to share their kindness stories on social media using the hashtags #PayItForward911 and #NeverForget.

    The 24th anniversary of Pay It Forward 9/11 is supported by the Come From Away musical and Junkyard Dog Productions, as well as Gallin & Son, Trinity Church Wall Street, and Air Canada.

    Sponsorships are still available for the 2025 campaign and the 25th anniversary in 2026.

    Visit payitforward911.org for more details.

    If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.