Schuylkill United Way is still seeking volunteers for its fifth annual Day of Caring.
The purpose of the two-day event, which takes place May 3 and May 4, is to promote the value of volunteerism, increase the awareness of local human service agencies and demonstrate what people working together for a common goal can accomplish, according to William J. Folk III, director of community relations for Schuylkill United Way.
"It's a day to give back to our agencies and get the community involved with them," Folk said Tuesday. "It shows what working together for a common good can do and promotes volunteerism."
United Way organizations across the nation participate in the annual Day of Caring event.
Volunteers can choose the most convenient time to participate.
Projects are planned throughout Schuylkill County and support the organization's partner agencies. Schuylkill United Way currently has 15 partner agencies that provide services to more than 88,500 county residents and includes emergency shelter, health care, family counseling, youth programming, drug prevention and disaster relief. Since the early 1970s, Schuylkill United Way has raised and returned more than $22 million back to the community, according to the organization's website at www.schuylkillunitedway.org.
This year, 11 of those agencies are participating in Day of Caring activities: The Pottsville Salvation Army, Boy Scouts Hawk Mountain Council, Child Development, Schuylkill Women in Crisis, Schuylkill Wellness Services, Schuylkill YMCA, Avenues, Tamaqua YMCA, Schuylkill County Society for Crippled Children, SARCC and Tamaqua Salvation Army.
There are 16 different projects, which range from outdoor work and painting to food donations and reading to children. There will also be additional projects later in the week, Folk said.
About 180 people volunteered for projects last year and Folk said he expects even more this year. As of Tuesday, Folk said about 120 volunteers have signed up.
"It has been growing every year," Folk said. "Hopefully, that continues since it has been great for the local communities and our partner agencies."
Anyone interested in volunteering can contact the Schuylkill United Way office at 570-622-6421 or email bjfolk@schuylkillunitedway.org.
