United Way is gathering teams of volunteers to participate in a community-wide service project called “Day of Caring,” set for Saturday, April 11.
The deadline to sign up is Wednesday, April 1.
“We hope to raise awareness for nonprofit agencies in the Minden area by giving individuals hands-on opportunities,” Bruce Willson, CEO of United Way of Northwest Louisiana, said. “In years past, this was an annual event in the Shreveport area. This year, we chose to have the event, not only in
Shreveport, but also in Minden.”
Jeri Bloxom, director of United Way’s Minden office, believes Day of Caring will have a positive impact on everyone involved.
“From nonprofits who run on volunteers or limited staff to individuals and teams who will have an opportunity to learn how agencies improve our community, those involved in this event will end the day feeling accomplished – knowing they made a difference,” Bloxom said. “So many events and projects in our community are made possible by volunteers. Day of Caring aims to unite the community by continuing the volunteering trend that is so prevalent in our community.”
Currently, Sadie’s Arms, Cultural Crossroads, Evergreen Life Services and United Way’s community center have been partnered with teams of volunteers from Regions Bank, Minden Medical Center and TG Companies. Projects range from landscaping, painting, clerical work to other miscellaneous tasks.
“There is still a need for a few more teams to complete the projects currently registered for Day of Caring,” Bloxom said. “It’s my hope that several teams will be willing to participate, and we will have enough volunteers to invite additional nonprofits to submit a project.”
Bloxom suggests businesses and service clubs would make great teams.
“Service work is truly a ‘team-building exercise,’” she said. “Learning together and cooperatively completing a task brings people together, and that’s what the goal of Day of Caring really boils down to – bringing the community together. Whether you sign up as an individual, a family, a group of friends, or through work or a civic or church group, you are going to have fun and learn a lot.”
United Way is seeking a sponsor to supply breakfast and/or t-shirts for the teams of volunteers. If you are interested in sponsoring Day of Caring, participating as a volunteer or team, or would like to have your nonprofit’s project placed on the waiting list, contact Bloxom at 318-677-2504, ext. 140 or [email protected].