Registration deadline nears for Day of Caring

By William K. Alcorn

YOUNGSTOWN — Friday is the deadline for organizations to register to participate in the Youngstown/Mahoning Valley United Way’s 11th annual Day of Caring on Sept. 11.

The Day of Caring is a communitywide service project in which employees of local businesses participate by completing tasks and odd jobs and organizing activities for United Way agencies.

Student, church and other community groups as well as families are encouraged to participate. Projects consist of painting, cleaning, home repairs, serving meals and participating in activities and field trips, said JoAnn Stock, United Way director of marketing and resource development.

“Not only does the Day of Caring help local agencies to complete much-needed tasks, but it provides our volunteers with an opportunity to see firsthand how these agencies work to meet the needs of the community,” said Walter J. “Buzz” Pishkur, president of Aqua Ohio and chairman of the 2008 Youngstown/Mahoning Valley United Way campaign.

“Day of Caring emphasizes the importance of volunteering and to the success of our United Way. It is amazing how much our volunteers can accomplish in one day,” Stock said.

The United Way Day of Caring not only serves as a communitywide day of hands-on volunteering, it also serves as the start of the annual communitywide United Way campaign.

Anyone interested in learning more about the Day of Caring can call the United Way office at (330) 746-8494, or visit the Web site at www.ymvunitedway.org to download a registration form.

alcorn@vindy.com