Olimpia Bernard
Through a special 9/11 Service Project coordinated by Fruits of Caring, they learned that remembrance is not only about looking back, but also about taking action to make a difference in the lives of others.
The barn at Cultivating Dreams Farm was alive with activity. Together, members of our group day hab assembled 343 kindness bundles, filling backpacks with essential items including toiletries, socks, sandals, and water. The number 343 holds special significance, representing the 343 firefighters of the New York City Fire Department who lost their lives on September 11, 2001. Each backpack served as a tribute to their sacrifice and a reminder that small acts of kindness can create a lasting impact.
This meaningful project connected history with service, helping participants understand the importance of compassion, community, and giving back. By working together to prepare these care packages, they experienced firsthand how even the simplest gestures can offer comfort, dignity, and hope to someone in need.
The service project was made possible through Fruits of Caring, a local community outreach initiative dedicated to assembling kindness bags for individuals experiencing homelessness, migrants, and international relief efforts. Throughout the year, the Daly family delivers these essential supplies directly to New York City as an ongoing tribute to the National Day of Service.
The organization’s mission is deeply personal. Fire Captain Dan Daly, a first responder at the World Trade Center on September 11, spent the following six months working extensively at Ground Zero. After retiring from the FDNY in November 2002, he committed himself to sharing positive stories of hope and resilience with audiences around the world. Through Fruits of Caring, that message continues to inspire others to transform remembrance into meaningful action.
We are grateful for the opportunity to participate in this project and proud of the dedication shown by our group day hab participants. Their efforts demonstrate that kindness has the power to honor the past, strengthen our communities, and inspire hope for the future.
As we remember those who were lost, we also celebrate the enduring spirit of service that brings people together. Through acts of generosity, compassion, and care, the CBS Group Day Hab is keeping their legacy alive.
Olimpia Bernard
Olimpia brings a bright spark of energy to Cultivating Dreams Farm as the agency’s Agricultural Coordinator and our monthly guest blogger. She has a gift for helping people connect with the earth, the seasons, and one another—whether she’s tending crops, teaching hands‑on skills, or sharing stories from the fields. With a talent for making things grow and a passion for building community, Olimpia keeps us rooted, inspired, and always looking forward to what’s sprouting next
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