American Red Cross encourages individuals to donate blood in observance of 9/11 National Day of Service and Remembrance. (CONTRIBUTED)

MADISON COUNTY – American Red Cross is aligning with the 9/11 National Day of Service and Remembrance to conduct blood drives in remembrance of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

Launched in 2002, the 9/11 National Day of Service and Remembrance observes an annual day of volunteering to honor the victims and heroes of Sept. 11. Since then, 9/11 Day has evolved into the largest annual day of charitable engagement in the United States.

The goal of 9/11 Day is to keep alive the spirit of unity that arose in the immediate aftermath of the 9/11 attacks and to provide a positive, helpful way for people to annually remember and pay tribute to the 9/11 victims and first responders. In 2009, the U.S. Congress officially recognized 9/11 Day. Each year, tens of millions of people observe the day by performing acts of service and good deeds.

“This annual observance increasingly resonates with people with each passing year, for the benefit of countless people and communities in need, and that’s surely gratifying,” 9/11 Day Jay Winuk co-founder said.

Winuk believes the Red Cross is an ideal partner to engage people to step forward. “We’re confident that blood donors, volunteers and organizations will answer this call for help while honoring the heroes of 9/11,” Winuk said.

Winuk lost his brother Glenn in the 9/11 attacks. Glenn Winuk, an attorney in Manhattan, served as a volunteer firefighter and EMT for almost 20 years. After helping evacuate his law offices, he raced to the World Trade Center’s south tower to help. He died when that tower collapsed.

Red Cross needs blood donors of all types, especially types AB, O negative, A negative and B negative. Also, platelet donors are encouraged to give. Patients of any blood type can receive transfusions of Type O negative.

To schedule an appointment to donate, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org.