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 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. followed by an Appreciation Party at the Washington Center for the Performing Arts. On Saturday, October 1 at 8:00 a.m. Congressman Denny Heck will join the Morning Kick Off Party at West Central Park (corner of Harrison and Division). Projects continue on Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
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.
Projects and Supporting Teams are listed below.
Boys & Girls Clubs of Thurston County – Tumwater
Hutchinson Dental
Boys & Girls Club of Thurston County – Lacey
The Valley Athletic Club
Catholic Community Services/Volunteer Chore Services
R.S.V.P.
Catholic Community Services/Volunteer Chore Services
Washington Health Insurance Agency
Catholic Housing Services
Umpqua Bank
Center for Natural Lands Management
Puget Sound Energy
CIELO
Women’s Leadership Council, TAGS
Community Youth Services – Haven House
Express Employment Professionals
Community Youth Services – Brighter Futures
InterCity Transit
Family Support Center
WLC, Thurston Chamber Young Professionals
GRuB
OBee Credit Union
Homes First!
WSECU
Homes First!
WSECU
Homes First!
WSECU
Kokua
Harborstone, Lacey Sunrise Lions
Nature Nurtures Farm
Heritage Bank, Community Youth Services, TCBA, Serendipity Academy
Nisqually Land Trust
Townsend Security, Olympia Federal Savings
Olympia Kiwanis
Providence St. Peter
Sidewalk
HDR, L&I Retro Rating Program
South Sound Reading Foundation
WA State Executive Assistants Group, Zonta
The Salvation Army
UWTC VISTA Program
Thurston County Food Bank – Morning Floor Support
Anchor Bank
Thurston County Food Bank – Holiday Food Sort
Twinstar Credit Union
Thurston County Food Bank- Afternoon Floor Support