United Way’s Day of Caring returns April 30

Photos by Ginny Kropf: Employees of Baxter Healthcare in Medina clean up the lawn at Head Start on Ensign Avenue in Medina in this photo from May 9, 2019. From left are Tammy Pogel, Tim Ingrassia, plant manager Kevin Foley and Melinda Pitcher.

After Covid-19 forced organizers to cancel the Day of Caring last spring 2020, United Way of Orleans County is bringing back the day on April 30.

Day of Caring is a volunteer-oriented event of United Ways nationwide, which encourages volunteerism in the community by helping people and non-profit agencies in need.

Creig Shockley, left, and Brian Hosmer, both Baxter employees, repair and put up swings at Camp Rainbow during the Day of Caring on May 9, 2019. Four more Baxter employees painted cabins, while another cleaned the bathrooms.

“The day combines volunteers with work projects county-wide,” said Dean Bellack, director of United Way of Orleans County. “It highlights giving back. If we can get 150 to 200 that will be great.”

Any company employee or member of the community is urged to volunteer for a couple of hours that day in performing simple tasks for agencies or individuals, such as painting a fence, raking a lawn, sorting donated food, delivering meals to the elderly, landscaping or other minor tasks.

“It is an exciting day that offers a unique opportunity for businesses, employees and individuals to participate in making a difference, and to see first-hand how their donations to United Way are benefiting the lives and vitality of our community,” Bellack said.

Not only are volunteers needed to perform various tasks, but projects to do are also needed to make the day a huge success.

Registration forms are available on United Way’s website by clicking on “volunteer” and then “Day of Caring.” Registrations forms should be returned by April 10.

On April 30, volunteers should report to the Trolley Building at the Orleans County 4-H Fairgrounds at 8 a.m. for breakfast. They should dress in comfortable clothing to suit the day.  Volunteer projects will begin immediately following the breakfast and typically last from 9 to 10 a.m. and/or from 2 to 3 p.m.

“This is a great day,” Bellack said. “It promotes good deeds – and the United Way.”