AARP Foundation Announces Sept. 11 Celebration of Service Event to Pack Over 1 Million Meals

WASHINGTON, Sept. 7, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- To commemorate the 15^th anniversary of Sept. 11 and bring generations together to help combat poverty, AARP Foundation today announced its second annual Celebration of Service meal pack event. On Sunday, September 11, 2016, the Foundation, working with the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) and 9/11 Day of Service, will bring thousands of volunteers from a wide range of ages together for a day of action on the National Mall to combat senior poverty and hunger in the metropolitan area. The goal is to celebrate volunteers and community service and to pack 1.5 million meals to help combat poverty among the area's residents, including struggling seniors.

"We want our efforts to reflect the spirit of community that existed after 9/11 when people of all walks of life reached out to help each other," said AARP Foundation President Lisa Marsh Ryerson. "Now we come together to help those among us who are struggling with poverty. At AARP Foundation, we work every day to create and advance solutions that can improve life for vulnerable older adults. This Million Meal Pack event is an opportunity for service, for commemoration, for support of those in our community who are most in need."

Washington, D.C., has more than 15,000 older adults who are struggling with poverty and 20.3 percent of DC seniors face food insecurity— among the highest rates in the country. For the 1.5 million meals packed on Sept. 11 during this Celebration of Service, AARP Foundation will work with the Capital Area Food Bank to distribute the meals across the D.C. metropolitan area. Chase, through its AARP^® Credit Card from Chase program, will again support the event as its presenting sponsor.

"At Chase we take great pride in giving back to our community," said Richard Quigley, president of Chase partner cards. "We are excited to once again be part of this incredible event that not only impacts so many in the D.C. area, but raises awareness for an important cause."

D.C. resident, chef, author and co-host of ABC's The Chew, Carla Hall, will once again join the celebration to help pack.

"This event is close to my heart. It highlights so many things I care about, including generations working together to feed those most in need," said Hall. "I am thrilled to be returning for this event on behalf of the AARP Credit Card from Chase, packing meals with several thousand volunteers who make the day really special, and celebrating the 9/11 first responders."

September 11th was designated a national day of service by the 2009 Kennedy Serve America Act. The Corporation for National and Community Service leads the annual event, working with MyGoodDeed and hundreds of nonprofit groups, faith-based organizations, schools, and businesses nationwide.

For details on how to volunteer and other information, please visit: www.MealPackChallenge.org. There is also an opportunity to pack on Monday, Sept. 12, same time, same location.

About AARP Foundation
AARP Foundation has a long history of serving vulnerable older adults by creating and advancing effective solutions that will help them secure the essentials to live comfortably. As the numbers of adults living in poverty continues to grow, opportunities to give back to the community abound.

AARP Foundation works to ensure that low-income, vulnerable older adults have access to nutritious food, affordable housing, a steady income, and strong and sustaining social bonds. We collaborate with individuals and organizations who share our commitment to innovation and our passion for problem solving.  Supported by vigorous legal advocacy, we create and advance the most effective solutions that help struggling older adults transform their lives. AARP Foundation is a 501 (c) (3) charitable affiliate of AARP.

Learn more at www.aarpfoundation.org.

About Chase
Chase is the U.S. consumer and commercial banking business of JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE: JPM), a leading global financial services firm with assets of $2.5 trillion and operations worldwide. Chase serves nearly half of America's households with a broad range of financial services, including personal banking, credit cards, mortgages, auto financing, investment advice, small business loans and payment processing. Customers can choose how and where they want to bank: 5,300 branches, 18,000 ATMs, mobile, online and by phone. For more information, go to Chase.com.

About the Corporation for National and Community Service
The Corporation for National and Community Service is a federal agency that engages millions of Americans in service each year through Senior Corps, AmeriCorps, and other programs; improves communities through the Social Innovation Fund; and leads President Obama's national call to service initiative, United We Serve. For more information, visit nationalservice.gov.

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SOURCE AARP Foundation