It’s time to lend a helping hand because the largest, single-day volunteer event of the year is back to brighten our communities here in Northwest Indiana. United Way Regional Volunteer Center and the nonprofits that it supports is full of difference-makers, and with volunteering looking much different last year because of the COVID-19 pandemic, these volunteers are eager to get back to making waves.
Bringing together nonprofits, families, local businesses, churches, civic groups, and individuals, Day of Caring is all about changing lives by aiding nonprofits with facility improvement and client support projects across the Region. Not only does it provide the volunteers who join time to serve their communities, but it also gives them the opportunity to see firsthand the amazing work that nonprofits are doing to support people like them and others in need.
From landscaping and cleaning to painting and building, the list of volunteer work that goes on during Day of Caring is endless. The amazing work that is done would not be possible without the countless volunteers who sign-up to make a difference, and United Way thanks those who have already signed-up and encourages those who have not yet joined to join.
“Nonprofits could not do what they do without volunteers,” said Kim Olesker, president & CEO of United Way of Porter County. “This special day showcases the power of helping hands. We can’t thank our volunteers enough.”
The regional volunteer center is made possible by support through United Way of Porter County. They not only understand the different kinds of precautions that individuals want to continue taking due to the ongoing pandemic, but the organization is also able to see how giving in any form is incredibly impactful. Thus, this year’s Day of Caring offers in-person, virtual, and donation opportunities for those looking to show their caring in a way that works best for them.
In-person volunteering includes cleanups, building, landscaping, painting, and cleaning projects, while virtual and donation opportunities include activities like a stuffed animal, food, and blood drives. Additional activities, like taking kids fishing or hosting social activities, are also available.
Taking place on Friday, August 6, United Way Day of Caring will begin with a kickoff breakfast at William Urschel Pavilion in downtown Valparaiso. The full day of volunteer projects will then follow, bringing together like-minded, hard-working individuals and nonprofits to show how they care for the wellbeing of their communities.
Rebecca Weber, community programs & events manager at United Way of Porter County, discussed the magnitude of this day and how exciting it is to be involved with those who are serving this community.
“As the largest volunteerism celebration in Northwest Indiana, Day of Caring is about bringing residents together to make a difference,” said Weber. “It’s about bringing caring people together to create a brighter future.”
United Way of Porter County is looking for more than 700 volunteers to help in the completion of 67 service projects across the county. The volunteer sign-up is now open at the link here where you can choose from in-person, virtual, and donation drive opportunities.
Whether you’re coming together as a team, joining with your family, or going solo, United Way of Porter County is grateful for your involvement. All volunteers are encouraged to register by Tuesday, July 27 to guarantee receipt of a free Day of Caring t-shirt. Though there is no experience or training necessary, skilled professionals are especially appreciated for their involvement in in-person projects. Unless otherwise noted, all ages are welcome as well.
Sponsors for the 2021 United Way Day of Caring include 1st Source Bank, Chester, Inc., Computer Services, Inc. (CSI), First Merchants Bank, Horizon Bank, Indiana Beverage, InHealth, Kankakee Valley REMC, Dr. Larry McAfee, McAfee Animal Hospital, Meijer, NIPSCO, Northwest Health, Pines Village Retirement Communities, Dr. Jerry and Linder Rodenbarger, SENSIT Technologies, Strack & Van Til, and Urschel Laboratories, Inc.
United Way of Porter County is excited to take the day on with a hopeful heart on Friday, August 6, changing lives one project at a time.
For more details about Day of Caring, visit the event page at www.unitedwaypc.org/Day-Caring.
