RIDGELEY, W.Va. — Messiah Christian Academy students and community volunteers packed more than 11,000 meals for local food banks Wednesday at the Ridgeley Community Center.
The program got a boost this year with the school’s selection to receive funding through the 2026 9/11 Day Grant Program, which helps fund service projects by and for students.
The funding, provided by AmeriCorps and the Popeyes Foundation, supports community-led service projects across the nation commemorating the 25th anniversary of 9/11 by bringing people together across political, geographic, generational and cultural lines to address urgent local needs while educating participants about the lasting legacy of service inspired by that day.
“The 25th anniversary of 9/11 offers a profound opportunity to honor those we lost, the survivors and the brave first responders who rose in service by stepping up to help our neighbors,” said Rhonda Poland, Messiah’s development director. “We are proud to stand with communities across America in turning this day into America’s Day of Doing Good through meaningful, lasting action.
About 100 volunteers packed the 11,111 meals that will benefit groups, including Union Rescue Mission, Fort Ashby Food Pantry and others in need as part of the September 11 National Day of Service and Remembrance.
Founded in 2002, the nonprofit 9/11 Day led the effort to establish Sept. 11 as a federally recognized National Day of Service and Remembrance.
Each year, tens of millions of Americans observe the day by performing good deeds in honor of those affected by the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Learn more at 911day.org.