On September 9, member companies of the Greater Philadelphia Corporate Volunteer Network joined thousands of other Philadelphia-area volunteers at Lincoln Financial Field, packing meals for Philabundance as part of the Eagles' 9/11 Day of Service. The event marked the 25th anniversary of September 11, turning a day of remembrance into an afternoon of hands-on giving back.
More than 2,200 volunteers took part across three shifts throughout the day, packing one million meals bound for Philabundance to help families across the region facing food insecurity. The Philadelphia effort was one of 50 large-scale service projects the nonprofit 9/11 Day organized nationwide this year, part of a push expected to mobilize 50,000 volunteers to pack more than 17 million meals in honor of the anniversary.
"It was a privilege to join the Philadelphia community and our partners on Wednesday to pack meals in remembrance of all the men and women who lost their lives on September 11, 2001," said Eagles President Don Smolenski. "This year, our day of service takes on a deeper meaning as it marks the 25th year of that day in our history. We are grateful to partner with the 9/11 Day organization to serve and turn grief into good."
Among the companies on the ground were Comcast and Independence Blue Cross (IBX), both longtime members of the Chamber's Greater Philadelphia Corporate Volunteer Network.
Comcast has taken part in the Eagles' 9/11 Day of Service since 2022 and expanded its involvement this year to 17 cities nationwide in honor of the anniversary.
"Twenty-five years after September 11, the values that brought our country together in the aftermath of that day — compassion, service, and care for one another — remain as important as ever," said Dalila Wilson-Scott, President, Comcast NBCUniversal Foundation. "Service is central to who we are at Comcast NBCUniversal, and we are proud to join 9/11 Day in turning remembrance into meaningful action in our hometown of Philadelphia and in communities across the country."
More than 50 IBX associates joined this year's meal-packing effort, continuing a commitment to volunteerism the company says is championed by President and CEO Kelly Munson. IBX has been a longtime supporter of the Eagles' Day of Service, tying it to a broader belief that strong communities are essential to improving health and well-being, a philosophy that has shaped decades of community partnerships, charitable giving, and public health work across the region.
"Giving back is a core part of who we are and how we support the communities we serve," said Steve Fera, EVP of Public Affairs and President of Government Markets, IBX. "The Eagles' 9/11 Day of Service is a powerful reminder that when people come together around a common purpose, even a few hours of service can make a lasting impact."
Days like September 9 reflect the kind of work regularly done by members of the Chamber's Greater Philadelphia Corporate Volunteer Network (GPCVN), which connects CSR and community engagement leaders from more than 60 member companies across the region. Members use the network to compare notes and coordinate around volunteer opportunities like this one throughout the year. Next up, GPCVN is hosting a workshop on September 30 focused on aligning social impact and talent strategy for business.
If your company is looking for more ways to get involved in the region's corporate volunteer community, learn more about GPCVN here.
