As the nation marked the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, El Paso residents reflected on how the tragedy sparked a wave of generosity and unity in the border community. Eric Pearson, president and CEO of the El Paso Community Foundation, recalled working a nonstop 48‑hour shift to coordinate coverage, collect donations, and rally volunteers.
Local fundraising effort
During the weekend following the attacks, Pearson and his team organized donation drives at local malls, accepting cash in $1 and $5 bills as well as change. The effort raised roughly $190,000, which was directed to the American Red Cross and other relief organizations. “We went to the malls and just set up things and were raising money in $1 bills and $5 bills and change,” Pearson said. “At that point, I remember thinking, all is not lost because we have people and that’s what it’s about and that’s what our country is based on.”
Family instincts and community care
Paul Dipp, president of Economy Wholesale Grocers, described the immediate reaction of families across the city. “The first thoughts, I believe, all of us had were about our family and where is our family? What are they doing? Are they safe?” Dipp said. He added that the instinct to protect loved ones quickly expanded to concern for the broader nation and for those directly affected by the attacks.
Dipp praised first responders in both El Paso and Ciudad Juárez, calling them “heroic” and noting that their dedication continues to inspire local workers. He emphasized that his grocery stores remained open to provide a sense of normalcy, saying, “We got down to what needed to be accomplished because everybody was uncertain at that time, everybody was frightened, and it was our job to calm those fears and create a normal shopping atmosphere for our team members.”
Enduring sense of unity
Both Pearson and Dipp agreed that the tragedy revealed a deep well of compassion in the community. Pearson reflected, “This country has survived far more than this in civil wars and the Vietnam War and other places. That attack was the one that I had seen and so it meant a lot to me at the time, but it also came with that sweetness, with the bitterness that we could get through things.”
Dipp echoed the sentiment, noting that the outpouring of support was “a very critical time; it was a very sad time, but at that time, some wonderful moments and moments of unity and moments of concern.” He expressed pride in his team’s response, adding, “I am proud of my team for stepping in when it was needed.”
Why the memory matters today
For many El Pasoans, remembering 9/11 is less about the distant tragedy and more about the local example of faith‑filled resilience and neighborly love. The stories shared this week illustrate how a border community, far from the attack sites, still felt the impact and chose to respond with charitable action, prayer, and a renewed commitment to family and community values.
As the city continues to grow and face new challenges, the lessons of September 11 serve as a reminder that when Americans come together—whether in a mall, a grocery store, or a place of worship—their collective spirit can help heal wounds and strengthen the nation’s moral foundation.
Original reporting: El Paso News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
