9/11 Day of Service

As part of the 9/11 National Day of Service, forty Tower Federal Credit Union employees volunteered throughout the community last week at seven charities that help military heroes, Veterans, and children in need—and surprised local firefighters with a free lunch.

Tower employees volunteered at Casey Cares, to support critically ill children and their families; Comfort Cases, which helps children and teens entering the foster care system; Hero Dogs, which provides service companion animals for disabled Veterans; Maryland Therapeutic Riding, which provides equine therapy for injured soldiers and Veterans; So What Else, to support children and families living in underserved areas; and the Anne Arundel County and Howard County Food Banks, to help fight food insecurity in the community.

A special highlight of the week was a surprise pizza delivery by Tower employees on September 11 to six local firehouses to show appreciation for the service and dedication first responders provide every day for our communities.

The Tower team of volunteers joined more than 30 million Americans who dedicate time annually on September 11 to helping others, rekindling the spirit of harmony that brought the country together in the days following the 9/11 tragedy.

9/11 Day, also known as Patriot Day, has become a positive way for Americans to annually keep the promise to “Never Forget” those killed and injured on 9/11, as well as the many who courageously responded to the attacks including first responders, recovery workers, volunteers, and military service members.

“On 9/11 and always, we remember the fallen and honor the brave heroes who risk their lives every day to keep us safe,” said Rick Stafford, Tower’s President & CEO. “We are excited to once again participate in the National Day of Service—this year with a full week of volunteering in our community, and we are honored to give our time to help those in need.”

Through Tower’s innovative “Tower Gives Back” program, full-time employees can take up to 16 hours annually of paid time off to volunteer at charities supported by the TowerCares Foundation, Tower’s philanthropic arm. The TowerCares mission is to help active military, Department of Defense civilian employees, Veterans, and children in need.

Tower employees volunteered a total of 94 hours during this year’s week of service. “We are proud to offer our team the opportunity to support TowerCares and causes they believe in without having to use their own personal leave or take time off without pay,” Stafford said. “We are grateful for all of our employee volunteers, first responders, and the incredible charities who made this uplifting and rewarding week possible.”

Tower Federal Credit Union employees surprised local first responders with free pizza on September 11 at the Fire Station in Laurel, Maryland, in appreciation for their service and dedication to our community. The Tower team also provided a free pizza lunch for first responders at five additional Maryland fire stations located in Columbia, Earleigh Heights, Ellicott City, Gambrills, and Harmans Dorsey, as part of the 9/11 National Day of Service.

Tower Federal Credit Union employees volunteered at Maryland Therapeutic Riding (MTR) in Crownsville, Maryland, as part of the 9/11 National Day of Service. MTR uses the healing and therapeutic power of horses to improve the physical health and well-being of children and adults with physical, emotional and developmental disabilities, including soldiers and Veterans dealing with PTSD, traumatic brain injury, depression, and amputation. Tower's team helped clear overgrown vegetation and weeds from the horseback riding area used for equine therapy sessions.

Tower Federal Credit Union employees volunteered at Casey Cares in Columbia, Maryland, as part of the 9/11 National Day of Service. Casey Cares is a non-profit that helps critically ill children and their families. The Tower team folded and bundled hundreds of new baby and children’s pajamas, which are then distributed by Casey Cares to area hospitals and families in need.