On September 30 and October 1 over 700 volunteers will join together for United Way of Thurston County’s 2016 Day(s) of Caring. Working on over 41 projects for 27 nonprofit agencies, volunteers will be working a variety of projects involving shovels, paintbrushes, gloves, and lots and lots of smiles regardless of the weather forecast.
“From school sports teams, workplace groups and families, our community is coming together to help complete some great and much- needed projects. Day of Caring is one of the most important things we undertake each year,” noted Paul Knox, Executive Director of United Way of Thurston County. “We know that people want to get involved in helping with community needs, but they don’t know where to start. Day of Caring gets them active right away and connects them to our larger volunteerism efforts through Volunteer Thurston.”
Friday will feature work projects from 8 am to 2:30 pm followed by an Appreciation Party at the Washington Center for the Performing Arts. On Saturday, October 1 at 8 am Congressman Denny Heck will join the Morning Kick Off Party at West Central Park (corner of Harrison and Division). Projects continue on Saturday from 9 am to 1 pm.
Chris Edwards who is featured on this year’s event poster was surprised and honored when he realized he had been selected as Mr. Day of Caring. Edwards will be volunteering for the fourth year with his workplace team and his brand new fiancée at Nisqually Land Trust.
Stacy Hicks, Volunteer Programs Coordinator at United Way of Thurston County noted, “throughout Thurston, United Way is leading the way to help struggling families and children have better lives. Living united means creating and building community, which is exactly what we do on these special days of service. It’s so nice to feel the enthusiasm for our work and the see impact that this will be for our community.”
Participants are invited to shared their experiences using the hashtag #UWTCCares.
