230 volunteers take part in 31st Annual Day of Caring

MORGANTOWN – The area’s largest single-day volunteer project returned on Wednesday, May 10, with a whopping 230 volunteers taking part in service projects all across Monongalia and Preston counties.

The 31st Annual Day of Caring kicked off with a volunteer celebration at Monongalia County Ballpark, with volunteers from many area businesses dropping by to grab their complimentary T-shirts, eat some lunch and pose for some photos before heading out to the work sites. Throughout the day, volunteers worked at 27 projects, where they painted, planted, landscaped, cleaned and more.

Summit Community Bank sponsored Day of Caring this year, and volunteers from the bank spent time sorting and organizing items at Milan Puskar Stadium for the Blue & Gold Mine Sale, which will be held Saturday. Other volunteers worked at the aquatic center, The Shack, Scott’s Run Settlement House, Hazel’s House of Hope and more.

Organized by the United Way of Monongalia and Preston Counties, the event aims to create positive change in the community by partnering local nonprofit organizations up with volunteer projects.

“Day of Caring is a fantastic opportunity to give back to the community we live in,” said Servando Arredondo, engagement manager for the local United Way. “It’s always fun to see the volunteers out working together at the various projects. It’s one day where we really focus on the importance of volunteerism, but we make sure to encourage people to give back to the community all year long.”

The event also introduces area residents to local nonprofit organizations that work each day to build a better community for all. Volunteers learn about the impact the United Way has on meeting the human service needs of the community.

“We want to make sure to thank our sponsor, Summit Community Bank, for making this event possible and also for sending out a wonderful group of volunteers to participate in the day,” Arredondo said. “Community partnerships are so important to the success of our organization. Thank you, Summit Community Bank!”

If you are interested in volunteering for future projects, visit VolunteerMPC.org to see opportunities available in the area.