By Caryn Butzke, finance director, Livingston County United Way
Livingston County United Way had 757 Volunteers show up in a big way for its 21st annual Day of Caring held on Aug. 9. Day of Caring is the largest one-day community service event in the entire county. In a single day, these amazing volunteers completed 50 projects, which included repairing decks, cleaning a roof, power-washing siding, painting, household cleaning, yard clean-up, and so much more!
This year, we received several project requests from seniors, veterans, and people with disabilities who need help to continue living safely in their homes. These simple projects can make a huge difference.
One homeowner shares: “My yard had significant overgrowth that I was unable to do on my own. The group of volunteers was able to clean up so much of my yard. At first, I was overwhelmed with stress about the day. When it was all done, I was overwhelmed with gratitude!”
Thirty different companies gave their employees time to volunteer, during their normal work hours, to give back to the community. It not only allows them to build relationships with their co-workers but also helps build relationships with other local businesses. We also had 8 different school teams and 6 different family teams join us this year. One Day of Caring team leader shares:
One of our families brought their two young children with them for the day. The homeowner was filled with awe (as was I), at how hard these two young children worked that day. They helped with fixing a fence and weeding the sidewalk in front of the homeowner’s house. They didn’t complain one bit and were hard workers!
Without the generosity of the volunteers and local businesses, the Day of Caring would not be possible! We have to thank the Sponsors whose support enabled us to provide materials to make the needed repairs at these homes.
Special thank you to Griffith Realty, Bank of Ann Arbor, Hartland Lions Club, Hartland Insurance Agency, Lake Trust Credit Union, Meijer, Asahi Kasei, Bob Maxey Ford, EctoHR, Lindhout Associates Architects, The Bowen/Swan Family, Chestnut Realty, PCIA, Pro-Motion Physical Therapy, Brighton Ford, Cobb-Hall Insurance, Hartland Lions Club, and TG Fluids. In- Kind Sponsors include Beauchamp Water, Brighton Rotary Raiders, CGC Water, Impressive Imprints & Signs, and Citizens Insurance.
We are so grateful and proud of our community! THANK YOU!
