Teams, projects may register now for 2010 Day of Caring
From staff reportsLEWISTOWN - Registration is open until Aug. 11 for volunteer teams and agency projects to participate in this year's Day of Caring on Sept. 15.
Day of Caring is a traditional United Way of Mifflin-Juniata volunteer event that kicks off the annual campaign every September, according to a press release by the United Way.
Two two main objectives of Day of Caring are to provide non-profit human service agencies an opportunity to complete projects that they could not otherwise afford to do, and to involve volunteers, especially employees, in firsthand experience with area charities. Day of Caring provides an opportunity for people to donate a day of community service, the release states.
"Day of Caring is great because it allows the community to come together," Marie Mulvihill, executive director of the United Way of Mifflin-Juniata, said. "Co-workers spend quality time together while helping out their neighbor."
In order for there to be an event, the United Way is seeking projects from non-profit human service agencies. Any incorporated non-profit or government entity, school or neighborhood association is encouraged to submit projects. Agencies do not have to be a partner agency receiving United Way funding to benefit from Day of Caring. Agencies that participate in Day of Caring can focus their resources on those they serve, according to the release.
"We encourage agencies to submit all their projects, big and small," Mulvihill said. "We get volunteer teams of all sizes and skill levels. We can't promise that every project submitted will get completed, but we have a good track record to date."
Teams of individuals in Mifflin and Juniata Counties who want to lend a hand and make a difference in their local community also are needed. Teams are formed from individuals at local businesses, associations, service groups, and other non-profits, the release states.
"Every year the Day of Caring gets bigger and bigger," Holly McCready, AmeriCorps VISTA member and organizer of this year's Day of Caring, said. "More people want to give back to our community, and that is the most rewarding part of this entire event."
Day of Caring is a free event for participants and is made possible by sponsors. Cleaning projects will no longer be accepted. For more information or to register a
project or team visit www.mjunitedway.org/doc.
