Days of Caring: More than 1,000 people give time or money

Published 12:03 am Sunday, September 20, 2009

It started as the Day of Caring, but now there are so many volunteers, and so many projects, that the annual event spans two days.

On Friday and Saturday, more than 1,000 people donated their time, effort and, in some cases, money to pull weeds, pick up trash, repair electrical wiring and work on other projects.

About 150 teams participated in the event, said Deborah Squires, a spokeswoman for United Way of Snohomish County. Some teams were large, with as many as 80 people, as was the case with a team from Boeing, she said.

Other teams were as small as just two people, Squires said. Families, churches, groups of friends and companies all came together on both days.

In most cases, groups selected volunteer opportunities from the United Way Web site, Squires said. For certain projects, United Way officials matched groups with projects. A volunteer group from Aviation Technical Services helped build a laundry room for Cocoon House, which serves at-risk teens. The project included electrical work.

“That was a case of matching highly skilled people with a special project,” Squires said. “It was a beautiful pairing.”

Most projects were on a smaller scale. People in need of basic landscaping and other chores signed up at the United Way Web site, and volunteers snatched up chances to help out in the community.

In most cases, the agency or individual receiving the help covered the cost of the project, Squires said. Some companies and individuals chipped in as part of their volunteer efforts, she said.

United Way offices across the country coordinate a Day of Caring each year. Most occur in the fall, Squires said.