New York City, NY (by Billie Wright) - Kevin Tuerff was a business owner during the tragic events of 9/11. He was also flying at the time of the attacks on NYC and Washington DC. He shares his incredible story that inspired him to keep the kindness going here:
Kevin started his kind acts with his own employees and the idea grew. He started the nonprofit Pay It Forward 9/11 as a way for NYC neighbors to 'never forget.' During the month of September, people in NYC are encouraged to do random acts of kindness, something to make others smile. He says, "It doesn't even have to cost money. It could be something so simple as smiling at someone on the subway or letting someone cut in front of you or maybe writing a thank-you note to a first responder or member of the military."
Tens of thousands of kind acts are performed each year and are posted to social media. The hashtags #payitforward911 #NeverForget are included to show participation in the annual event.
Participants are encouraged to register so the movement can be tracked. Neighborhood groups, church groups, kids, and more are encouraged to participate. Kevin's hope is for NYC to continue to grow in acts of kindness each day of the year.