NORWICH – The Chenango United Way’s 2011 campaign will kick off on Saturday with the 4th Annual Day of Caring volunteer event.
Approximately two dozen local not-for-profit organizations have submitted requests for volunteer work that is “greatly needed within our community,” and a number of county businesses, families and individuals are expected to participate, reported Chenango United Way Campaign Director Rebecca O’Connor.
“We’ve got corporate teams, entire families and individuals who, year after year, come together and unite to make an enormous difference,” said O’Connor. “This year we’ve received projects from all over the county.”
According to O’Connor, last year’s Day of Caring impacted an estimated 30 sites and organizations countywide and more than 170 volunteers took part, donating over 1,000 hours in volunteer time in a single day painting, performing building maintenance, preparing food packets for local food pantries, performing light yard work, gardening and cleaning.
United Way Board Member, Day of Caring committee member and volunteer John Stafford, who’s been involved with the Day of Caring event since its inception, said it’s “been a pleasure” to see the event grow from its “original planning stages” in its first year to the event it is today.
“It’s a wonderful opportunity for community members from all walks of life to come together for a common purpose,” he added. “By raising awareness of community needs, we hope that the day’s message carries over throughout the year.”
Day of Caring committee co-chairs Cathy Rickard and Kathy Black expressed pride in their respective roles with the event and considered it a “wonderful way to give back to the communities that we live in” and felt the many volunteers “make such a positive difference” while participating in the many various projects.
“Everybody, I think, wants to feel good and what better way to make yourself feel good than to help others,” stated United Way board member Gerald Roys. “Every facet of the United Way, and there are many, is there to help others.”
The 2011 campaign will run from Sept. 25 through the end of the year and Chenango United Way Executive Director Elizabeth Monaco reported a goal of $435,000. Monies collected during the fall 2010 campaign will be distributed through a competitive allocations process following the new year, she added.
In addition, the Chenango United Way will once again offer some special incentives for those who donate, and the local organization will once again be raffling off, thanks to Norwich Pharmaceuticals and Preferred Mutual Insurance, a $500 Visa Gift Card and a $500 Home Theater Bundle for individuals who donate at least $1 per week, or a lump sum of $52 for the year.
“I’m excited about this year’s campaign,” stated Monaco. “We will be working on some new initiatives with hometown business communities and our volunteer marketing committee has developed some beautiful new marketing and communication materials.”
The Day of Caring will kick off at 8:30 a.m. Saturday at the Norwich Fire Department with a breakfast-time volunteer rally, following which the various participants will depart for their assigned project sites. The United Way will also be collecting personal care and hygiene items such as shampoo, conditioner, soap, toilet paper and deodorant for distribution to area food pantries.
“The needs within Chenango County continue to grow and we need everyone’s support to help us meet our goal and be able to provide funding to the various agencies,” said campaign co-chair and board member Lisa Colabelli. “You may be surprised at just how many people you know who benefit from the programs funded by the United Way.”
Anyone interested in getting involved this year may contact the Chenango United Way at 334-8815. For more information visit www.chenangouw.org.