What difference can one day make? When it’s Livingston County United Way’s Day of Caring, the impact on the community is tremendous! The annual event is scheduled for Wednesday, Aug. 17.
“Every volunteer contributes their time to improve the community, and when we combine forces for one day, the effect is beyond words,” stated event co-chairperson Piet Lindhout of Lindhout Associates Architects. “Once you participate, you just can’t stop. We have many volunteers who come back year after year because it means so much to them.”
Last year’s event brought together 1,500 volunteers to work at 115 sites. They represented 130 local companies, plus school sports teams and organizations, scout troops, churches, nonprofits, and families. The Livingston County United Way collects worksite proposals from seniors, schools, disabled residents and local nonprofits. The work is often yardwork, or minor household repairs and sprucing up, that the residents cannot do on their own.
One homeowner last year shared her thanks, saying “No words can begin to express my appreciation for volunteers who came to help ‘trim up’ my yard today – what a blessing!”
Another most thankful recipient expressed her joy:
“Something wonderful happened on Aug. 19, 2015: United Way’s Day of Caring, when nine smiling angels pumped and ready for action came knocking on my door. Dramatic changes occurred on my property. Shrubbery was tamed, a new clothesline was strung, and dirty windows were left sparkling clean. Two roll-out baskets were installed in a kitchen cupboard, and a hard-to-open door was leveled and planed. The best gift was the widening of a walkway with patio brick making it accessible and safe. I feel like I’ve been given a passport to get out of my house on my scooter to enjoy the freedom of being outside with the hummingbirds, butterflies and flowers.”
Volunteers are invited to register individually or as groups. They can designate preferences for location, type of project, special skills they have, and half-day (8:30 am-noon or 1:00-4:30 pm) or full-day time commitment.
Some examples of opportunities include:
· Outdoor projects such as painting, landscaping and completing simple repairs
· Harvesting and weeding community gardens
· Interaction with seniors or people with special needs
· Indoor projects such as painting and light housekeeping
· Delivering emergency pantry packs to shut ins
· Collecting food and personal care items
· Organizing school supplies for the LESA’s backpack giveaway.
Many companies, clubs and organizations participate together! Why? Community service showcases an organization’s volunteer spirit while making a difference, improving employee morale and enthusiasm, strengthens through team building, and makes individuals feel more connected to their community and coworkers.
High school teens, teams and clubs are encouraged to join the event and could be rewarded for their community spirit through a Challenge Grant from Citizens Insurance. Last year 490 high school youth took part. Even more young people joined in service with their families or other groups.
Anyone can recommend a worksite and are encouraged to apply for a neighbor or friend who needs extra help. Local nonprofits love Day of Caring for getting special jobs done. All proposed worksites are reviewed and qualified by the Livingston County United Way Day of Caring committee.
Day of Caring is Livingston County’s largest one-day community service event with big-time community impact. Worksite requests, volunteer applications and additional information are available online at www.lcdayofcaring.org.
To learn more about Livingston County United Way and how it works to elevate the quality of life for all residents, visit www.lcunitedway.org.
