Mark your calendar for the 3rd annual United Way Regional Day of Caring to be held in Lake and Porter County on August 27 and 28. The event is billed by organizers as the largest gathering of volunteers in Northwest Indiana. 
The United Way Regional Volunteer Center is searching is for small or large companies, community groups, even individuals wanting to roll up their sleeves and donate their time, talents, and skills to nonprofit organizations.
“We need people to sign up, decide a day, pick their project and come make a difference,” says Kathy Wojkovich, United Way Regional Volunteer Center. “With over 100 projects to choose from, there’s something for everyone.”
Volunteers will be paired with nonprofits to do a variety of hands-on projects from putting a fresh coat of paint on playground equipment, planting flowers and shrubs, packing backpacks with school supplies, teaching kids how to fish, and more.
Before heading out to their chosen projects, participants will be treated to hearty breakfast kickoffs at Strongbow restaurant in Valparaiso and Campagna Academy in Schererville, sponsored by BP. Free lunches at the agencies will also be provided.
A Youth Day of Caring for junior and high school teens will be held on Sat., August 28. They will complete several environmental projects at Indiana Dunes State Park and the Indiana National Lakeshore with a cookout to follow.
“Our goal is to have every high school represented by a group or athletic team,” said Wojkovich. “Teams can sign up at www.nwivolunteer.org and clicking on the Youth Day of Caring.”
United Way’s Regional Day of Caring was established in 2007 to promote the spirit and value of volunteerism, increase the awareness of local human service agencies, and demonstrate what people working together for the community’s good can accomplish.
Last year, more than 1,800 volunteers spent the day at 75 nonprofit organizations completing more than 100 projects throughout Northwest Indiana. The dollar value of all the donated volunteer hours was estimated to be worth $145,800 in just two days.
Wojkovich says for any business or organization, the event provides a simple, effective and highly visible way to demonstrate strong corporate citizenship, community leadership, and a culture of philanthropy and giving back. It also provides team building opportunities outside the office setting for employees.
“Our theme for this year’s Day of Caring is ‘Raise the Bar,” says Wojkovich. “This is truly a wonderful way to lend a helping hand and to collectively change our community for the better. The first step is to get signed up.”
Corporate sponsors for the 2010 United Way Regional Day of Caring include: Post Tribune, Radio One Communications, BP, Strongbow Inn, NIPSCO and Porter Hospital.
For more information and to register for the 2010 United Way Regional Day of Caring, go to: www.nwivolunteer.org.