In preparation for the 9/11 Day of Service and Remembrance, HOPE worldwide and The Groton Alliance for Substance Abuse Prevention announced they will partner to hold a community “Meet & Greet” this weekend with representatives from police, fire and ambulance services.

The event, which is family-friendly and open to the public, will take place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at Groton-New London Church of Christ at 151 Shewville Road in Mystic, according to a news release.

The hosts are seeking members of local police departments, fire departments and ambulance services from around the region to talk with community members about their experience as first responders and how residents can help them in return, the release states. They also want to meet new people and families who want to honor and learn from first responders.

“We know most families and individuals want to make a difference in the world and, at the same time, we are all really busy. At HOPE worldwide, we want to be reflective and choose activities that strengthen our own character and, at the same time, strengthen the fabric of our community," Donna Pombrio, director of the local chapter of HOPE worldwide, said in a statement.

“We recognize that being a first responder is hard. It’s traumatic. It’s sometimes thankless. These heroes need our support and gratitude," GASP Coordinator Carolyn Wilson added. "We’ve hosted events in the past to make cards to show gratitude, but now we want them to teach us, the community, about what it's like for them and how we can support them. I think the kids in attendance will have questions and want to pose for pictures. They are role models and real life heroes.”

Light refreshments will be served. For more information or to RSVP, contact Donna Pombrio at grotonnewlondonchurch@gmail.com.