(Canton, OH) May 18, 2018 – Over 500 volunteers recently contributed their time and talent for United Way of Greater Stark County’s 25th Annual Day of Caring on Friday, May 18th. The event connects altruistic volunteers with local agencies, schools and organizations. Together, the partnerships create stronger neighborhoods and healthier people for a better community through a wide variety of service projects. Huntington Bank was the premier sponsor of the event, and Liquid Custom Apparel and Gifts contributed an in-kind donation.
Over 30 non-profit 501(c)(3) agencies submitted project proposals to United Way of Greater Stark County (UWGSC), then were matched with volunteer teams. The agencies provided equipment, supplies and materials needed for the projects, along with a meal for the volunteers working through lunch. Participants included volunteers from: AAM Metal Forming – Malvern Mfg., American Electric Power, Anheuser Busch, Aultman Health Foundation, Beaver Excavating, Chesapeake Energy, Consumers National Bank, Diebold Nixdorf, Dollar Bank Servicing Center, Exxon Mobile, FirstEnergy, Hendrickson Trailer – Commercial Vehicle Systems, Huntington Bank, JP Morgan Chase Bank, NA, Marathon Petroleum Corp – Ohio Refinery Division, Nationwide Insurance, PolyOne Corporation, ResourceMFG, StarkParks, Synchrony Financial, The Timken Company, TimkenSteel, Walsh University, Williams
“Day of Caring launched in 1993, so we’re celebrating 25 years of neighbors helping neighbors,” said Maria Heege, United Way of Greater Stark County President and CEO “The ‘sweat equity’ provided by our volunteers allows local agencies, schools and organizations to complete projects that most of them could not undertake on their own. We wouldn’t be able to do this without the generous people who are willing to roll up their sleeves and help.”
Most service projects took only a few hours and included outside work like landscaping and playground maintenance. Inside tasks are also completed, such as cleaning out storage areas and painting. Agency requests for volunteer teams came from the farthest reaches of Stark County, as well as Carroll County. Some organizations brought in special equipment for the day.
“Day of Caring is the perfect opportunity for organizations, service groups, students, and anyone else who wants to give back to the community through volunteering,” says Carrie Clemens, United Way of Greater Stark County’s Assistant Director of Resource Development. “It’s a great team-building exercise for workplaces and the wide range of projects makes it easy to match up groups of all sizes and capabilities.”
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. The agency collaborates, convenes, and partners to support programs and initiatives that break the cycle of poverty, promote a healthy community where children are successful from kindergarten through graduation to a career, and where families have the tools, skills, and support they need to become financially independent. We win by living United. For more information about United Way of Greater Stark County visit www.uwstark.org. Headquarters are at 401 Market Avenue North, Suite 300, Canton, Ohio 44702. (330) 491-0445.
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