Volunteers marked the 11th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terror attacks by helping some of the city's veterans.

200 people put together hygiene kits and painted the walls at Department of Homeless Services' Veterans Residence in East Harlem.

More than 100 formerly homeless veterans live in the residence.

Volunteers and UN Ambassador Susan Rice said Tuesday's day of service is a small but important way of saying thanks.

"I'm very lucky to be up here in New York and come to this wonderful facility that's doing such good with and for our veterans," Rice said.

"Seeing this and being a part of it, it makes me know that life was worth living and it's precious," said veteran Thomas Jones Jr.

In 2009, Congress passed a bill to formally recognize Sept. 11 as a National Day of Service and Remembrance.