(Canton, OH) February 12, 2019 – For 26 years, United Way’s annual Day of Caring event has connected generous community volunteers with local organizations through a wide variety of service projects. These partnerships make it possible for local agencies, schools and organizations to complete projects they could not undertake on their own. At the same time, participants receive a firsthand look at some of the services provided by local organizations in their own neighborhoods and throughout Greater Stark County.
This year’s Day of Caring is scheduled for Friday, May 17th. 501(c)(3) organizations, schools and nonprofit organizations are invited to submit project proposals February 10 through March 1 at www.volunteer.uwstark.org/day-of-caring . Required submission information includes: organization’s information, project coordinator’s information, a short description of the project with the intention of recruiting volunteer groups, the number of anticipated volunteers needed and an estimation of work hours necessary to complete the project. Organizations requesting assistance will need to provide equipment, supplies and materials needed for the project(s), along with a meal for the volunteers working through lunch.
All project proposals are welcome, such as: landscaping and grounds maintenance at a community center, stocking shelves at a foodbank or working with animals at a shelter. There is no limit to the number of projects a nonprofit organization can submit, and these can include indoor or outdoor activities. No special skills are required of the volunteers who participate – just a willingness to pitch in and help.
“Last year, we were astounded by the support of the community – with over 500 individuals from 28 local workplaces working together to make the community stronger.” said Maria Heege, President and CEO of United Way of Greater Stark County. “Their time was valued at over $38,000. Most importantly, they brought life to the word “caring” by rolling up their sleeves and making a difference by volunteering to help organizations that do not have the staff to complete the much-needed projects. We look forward to coordinating even more volunteers this year. Please join us on Day of Caring and be part of the solution to making our community a better place for everyone to live, work and play.”
Workplace and individual volunteer registration is scheduled for March 15 to April 5. Groups of volunteers will be able to view the projects registered by agencies and select the project they wish to serve with through United Way of Greater Stark County’s Volunteer Resource Center online portal at www.uwstark.org/volunteer. T-shirts will be available for all volunteers May 10-14 at United Way of Greater Stark County’s offices at 401 Market Avenue North in Canton.
United Way of Greater Stark County extends special thanks to Huntington Bank, Day of Caring Presenting Sponsor, and Canton Repository, Day of Caring Corporate Sponsor, – without them, Day of Caring would not be possible.
For more information about submitting a project proposal or participating as a group of volunteers, contact Laura Prengaman, Director Corporate & Volunteer Engagement at 330-491-9953 or email [email protected].
About United Way of Greater Stark County
United Way of Greater Stark County fights for the health, education and financial stability of every person in every community. We win by living United. By forging unlikely partnerships. By finding new solutions to old problems. By mobilizing the best resources. And by inspiring individuals to join the fight against their community’s most daunting social crisis. Our mission is to improve lives by mobilizing the caring power of our communities in Greater Stark County. In order to live better, we must live United. For more information about United Way of Greater Stark County visit www.uwstark.org. Offices are at 401 Market Avenue North, Suite 300, Canton, Ohio 44702. (330) 491-0445.