Honoring Firefighters: Dallas, TX
Since 2014, the Dallas Sai Center has collaborated each year with the Universal Unitarian Church to honor community firefighters by presenting them with gift hampers. Approximately 70 fire stations are recognized each year. The event is usually held in September in memory of firefighters who sacrificed their lives during the 9/11 attacks in New York, NY. This year, the service was held on Saturday, September 14 2019. Approximately 30 Sai volunteers (including SSE children, their parents and teachers) participated along with 70 church volunteers in the service. Several hampers were prepared with a variety of snack items such as cookies, chips, crackers, energy bars, candies and nuts, items that had been procured over several weeks by Sai volunteers. SSE students also prepared “Thank you” cards for the firefighters.
An SSE student from the Dallas Center reflected on the visit to honor firefighters on the 9/11 anniversary: “As we take time today to remember our brave first responders and the sacrifice they make daily, we recognize that the 9/11 First Responder Project is not just a service project. It is a way for us to thank them and show our deepest gratitude for the many ways they keep us safe and protect our lives and our homes. As we delivered the baskets, it was so wonderful to see their faces light up with smiles and appreciation for our gift baskets. It made our hearts swell with joy. The firefighters, in turn, very kindly took the time to show us around the fire station, and gave us a glimpse into their everyday routine, showing us the ways they care for the community. “