This weekend we had an opportunity to spend two days in Sandy Hook and offer our support. As you can imagine, the community is still in shock over the tragic loss of the young children and teachers who heroically protected their classrooms. Many families we spoke with asked about resources and guidance in talking with their children about the event. We have also heard from many of our members who report that the tragedy brings back memories of their own personal loss on 9/11. Learn More.

I hope this note finds you and your family safe following the devastation caused by Hurricane Sandy. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families who tragically lost loved ones and those whose homes were destroyed or damaged by fire and flooding.Thanks to the tireless efforts of Mayor Bloomberg, Governor Christie, Governor Malloy and Governor Cuomo, much progress has been made in coordinating with local, state and federal agencies in the recovery effort.

Each year on the fourth Saturday of October, millions of Americans take part in Make A Difference Day, the nation's largest day of volunteering. Click here to learn more about how you can participate in this year's Make A Difference Day on October 27th.

Join the World Care's Center for a spectacular night as their star-studded panel of judges chooses the top chef in a head-to-head match-up between firehouse chefs and local restaurant chefs. The Iron Skillet Cook Off is held on October 22, 2012 from 6:00pm-9:00pm at Crimson Restaurant. Enjoy signature cocktails, Brooklyn Brewery craft beers, fabulous live auction prizes, and gourmet cuisine. 100% of the proceeds go to empowering local communities through disaster response training and support.

Voices of September 11th will host several events to commemorate the 11th Anniversary. More than 300 of our members helped us plan the events by responding to our survey. Their suggestions guided our staff in creating programs that are designed to be informative, commemorative, and provide an opportunity for the 9/11 community to come together for the 11th Anniversary. Many 9/11 families asked us to plan a commemorative luncheon on September 11th following the observance. Learn More.