VOLUNTEER - Day of Caring

by Nicole Milbradt, Sr. Marketing Associate & Events Manager

If you had a day off from work, how would you spend it? Stocking shelves at a food bank? Washing windows at a daycare? Carving a new trail at a local park? I'm sure few of us would answer this way. But for 1,000 volunteers who had a day away from the office Friday, September 18th, a Day of Caring was the answer.

Nearly 1,000 volunteers took time away from their busy schedules to give back to the community. Many banded with co-workers to clean up parks, pull weeds, paint a shelter, rip up carpet and organize storage. Others worked with patients to create artwork for a new clinic or helped conduct an art fair for seniors. The work was varied and at the end of the day, many had worked harder away from the office than they would have if they'd stayed at their desks.

But no matter what they did on September 18th, they made a difference. For those agencies focused on feeding the hungry and sheltering those without homes, landscaping their property is low on the list of priorities. There are agencies who want to provide more for their clients, but don't have the money to pay for labor for small repairs. Many nonprofits are working hard to serve our most vulnerable neighbors and don't have the time to put on a new coat of paint. Thankfully, Day of Caring volunteers did have the time and were able to help our community warriors continue to focus on their mission.

One team summed it up best, "We were sweaty and dirty and tired, but it was a great day."

Thanks again to all who participated in this year's Day of Caring.

Check out more photos from the event on our Flickr page.
WE WANT TO KNOW...Did you volunteer for Day of Caring? Tell us about your experience.