The United Way’s Day of Caring in Minden is Saturday, with the day pairing companies and nonprofit organizations together to volunteer.
Kagnee Veitch, operations coordinator for United Way of Northwest Louisiana Webster, Bienville and Claiborne, says participation has doubled for its second year.
“We credit the increase of volunteers to additional businesses participating and parents who want an opportunity to show their families the importance of community service,” she said. “Our hope is that the individuals will grow in their understanding of the needs in our community and take action beyond Day of Caring. We are in the business of building relationships with people who are ready to make a lasting impact in Minden, and we are thrilled with the increase of interest to do so.”
With eight agencies and approximately 80 volunteers, a kickoff breakfast will begin at 8:30 a.m. at the United Way Center in Minden.
From there, businesses will head out in teams to the eight nonprofit agencies to volunteer their time, from working in the flowerbeds at Minden Council on Aging to folding clothes at the United Christian Assistance Program, she said.
“An example of some of the projects include folding and sorting clothes, weeding flowerbeds, and a group is going to Project Reclaim to speak about their jobs, philosophies on leadership and tell their stories and encourage the kids,” she said. “We have a variety of projects this year.”
The nonprofits this year include Cultural Crossroads, Project Reclaim, UCAP, Minden Food Project, Safe Haven, United Christian Home, Teen Challenge and Webster Council on Aging.
Along with some families, companies participating include MBL Bank, Minden Medical Center, Northwest Louisiana Technical College, State Farm Logan McConathy, State Farm Laura Horton, Anti-Pest and Veitch and Walgreens.
Sponsors this year include Gibsland Bank and Trust, title sponsor, State Farm Logan McConathy, State Farm Laura Horton and Bon Temps.
The United Way WBC center is located at 202 Miller Street.