Until yesterday, I had only heard of the United Way and had never heard of the Day of Caring which is sad, because both the organization and the event are worth knowing about. Fortunately, I was privileged to ride a bus around the county and see five of thirty projects in action while learning about the program and volunteers.
The United Way of Calvert County helps support over thirty agencies locally that serve our community. On the Day of Caring both businesses and individuals work together, volunteering their time at some of these agencies, completing projects and reaching out. From serving food, to sorting potatoes, caring for animals, and painting walls, these projects not only help others, but promote team building as well while showing just how United Way works in our county.
Now in its 19th year, 40 businesses donated their employees time (employees volunteer together on a paid day off) and over 250 volunteers worked on 30 different projects during the Day of Caring.
At Chesapeake Cares Food Pantry, volunteers from six companies sorted food, worked on computers, and acted as shoppers for those coming in for food.
We saw a deck replaced in a day along with painting and other repairs on one of three local homes where Christmas in April came to work.
Volunteers from the World Gym worked at the Shoppe for Hospice, a women’s clothing shop in Huntingtown that supports hospice. They repainted the walls and restocked clothing items for the fall season.
Among seven organizations at Farming for Hunger, children from Calvert County Schools sorted potatoes that would be delivered to food pantries across several counties, then were rewarded with time at the petting zoo there.
Our last stop was one of my favorites. The Arc is an agency that helps people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Every year, they hold their annual picnic on the Day of Caring where volunteers from three businesses give of their time. Many at Arc look forward to seeing those familiar volunteer faces that quickly become old friends.
It’s amazing how many opportunities there are to volunteer where we live and United Way does a great job organizing this event and bringing volunteers together all year.
This year the annual event fell on 9/11. While ceremonies remembered the tragedy of that day, it felt appropriate to be serving. As much as we ache for those we’ve lost, by working together, we’re keeping alive the beautiful spirit of volunteerism that held us together years ago. Next year, I look forward to serving as well and may even bring my family to serve with me.
If you’re interested in participating with your business or as an individual, you can get more information by contacting the United Way of Calvert County. County Commissioner Susan Shaw summed up this great event best. “We have more volunteerism here than in most places. You make the quality of life here in Calvert County something to be proud of.”
View all high resolution images from the day of caring on Flickr by clicking here or view the flickr slideshow by clicking here.
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http://www.unitedwaycalvert.org