United Way of Island County shows the community cares

United Way of Island County held its second annual Day of Caring Saturday, Aug. 4.

Day of Caring has become a United Way tradition in many communities throughout America. It is a day when community volunteers partner with local agencies to come together for a few hours and perform acts of care for folks within our community needing a little assistance and to generally “spruce up” the Island County community, according to a United Way of Island County press release.

United Way partnered with the Interfaith Coalition of Whidbey Island, which brought over 60 volunteers from different faith communities, including the Christian Reformed Church, City of Refuge Christian Church, First Reformed Church, Grace by the Sea, Grace Community, Living Faith Christian Center, Living Word and Family Bible Church. North Whidbey Lions Club participated in their annual Stuff the Bus Project, which collects donations of school supplies for students. Volunteers ranged in age from 2 to 72.

Walmart, Ace Hardware and Home Depot donated materials for various projects. Toiletry bags were put together for the homeless, weeds were pulled at CADA’s shelter, paint and stain were  applied at Toddler Learning Center and South Whidbey Children’s Center, bark was distributed at City of Oak Harbor parks, school supplies were gathered at Walmart for Stuff the Bus to benefit Opportunity Council and more.

United Way’s mission is to “mobilize community resources to measurably improve people’s lives,” according to a press release. By hosting this Day of Caring, the community has an opportunity to band together and “Live United” by serving fellow community members.

“With these tough economic times, we can all feel good about reaching out and touching the lives of our neighbors while making our community a better place to work and live,” said Cathy Niiro, executive director for United Way.

 

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