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United Way campaign to begin
YOUNGSTOWN
The United Way Day of Caring/2012 Campaign Kick-Off Breakfast is at 8 a.m. Friday at the Covelli Centre on Front Street in downtown Youngstown.
The 2012 campaign goal is $2.5 million, the same as 2011 goal. A major campaign incentive is the chance to win a 2013 Chevrolet Cruze donated by Greenwood Chevrolet.
Covelli Enterprises is the Day of Caring title sponsor and will provide complimentary Panera Bread bagels and coffee for breakfast. People who want to attend must call the United Way office at 330-746-8494 by Wednesday.
The breakfast program begins at 8:30 a.m. and includes remarks by Robert Hannon, president of United Way of Youngstown and the Mahoning Valley; Ted Schmidt, regional president of PNC and 2012 campaign chairman; and other sponsors.
After the breakfast, more than 400 volunteers representing more than 40 companies and organizations will participate in the 15th annual Day of Caring by completing projects at more than 30 agencies.
The Day of Caring is a communitywide day of hands-on projects in which volunteers complete tasks, odd jobs and organizing activities for local nonprofit organizations. Projects may consist of painting, construction, landscaping, cleaning or home repairs.
Student, church and other community groups as well as individuals and families are encouraged to participate and still can volunteer for the Day of Caring by contacting the United Way.
For the first time, the United Way Day of Caring is partnering with Area Agency on Aging 11 to assist seniors in preparing their homes for winter, said Hannon.
The Day of Caring not only helps local agencies to complete much-needed tasks, but it provides volunteers with an opportunity to see first-hand how these agencies work to meet the needs of the community, Hannon said.
The United Way of Youngstown and the Mahoning Valley seeks to be the driving force behind sustained improvement in the lives of Valley residents through initiatives that promote education, income and health through some 34 nonprofit partner agencies, he said.