United Way prepares to kick off '09 Day of Caring campaign

The official start locally begins with the Mahoning Valley Day of Caring on Sept. 11.

STAFF REPORT

YOUNGSTOWN — July 31 is the deadline for volunteers to register for the 12th annual United Way of Youngstown and the Mahoning Valley Day of Caring, which is Sept. 11.

The United Way Day of Caring is a community wide day of hands-on volunteering.

Employees of area companies, student, church, community groups and families participate by completing tasks, odd jobs and organizing activities for local non-profit organizations. Projects may consist of painting, construction, landscaping, cleaning, home repairs, serving meals, or field trips.

The Day of Caring not only helps local agencies with much- needed tasks, it gives volunteers an opportunity to see first hand how the agencies work to meet the needs of the community. The Day of Caring is also the official start of the 2009 United Way campaign.

United Way is also offering an opportunity for local businesses to sponsor the Day of Caring T-shirts. For a $500 sponsorship, local businesses can have their company logo on the back of the T-shirts as well as recognition on the day of the event.

People interested in learning more about the Day of Caring, volunteering or sponsoring T-shirts should call the United Way office at (330) 746-8494. Registration forms can also be downloaded from www.ymvunitedway.org.

alcorn@vindy.com