Volunteers gather today to make a difference

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." — Anthropologist Margaret Meade

This morning, 1,300 employees in our community won’t be showing up for work at their regular jobs. However, the 84 companies they represent won’t likely be complaining, docking their pay or rushing to the bargaining table to end the walkout. These workers will be trading their neckties and business attire for tool belts and blue jeans as they prepare to participate in the United Way Day of Caring.

Gathering early at Everett Memorial Stadium for an energetic rally to kick off the event, they’ll fill up on coffee, juice and breakfast treats donated by generous area businesses. Jazzed up and ready to go to work, they’ll disperse to tackle 80 different projects for local non-profit organizations.

These projects are similar to those that seem to pile up around every household — painting, yard work, sorting and storing items and general repair. They’re also the types of projects that we simply let slide when the budget gets tight and more pressing demands like food, shelter and paying the utility bill take priority. Along with the rest of us, non-profit agencies have had to tighten their belts in response to challenging economic times — when the money simply isn’t there to match the growing need. Peeling paint, a few weeds or a minor repair don’t register very high on the list when stacked against leveraging those dollars to help someone in need. Appropriately, it’s really no contest.

Day of Caring, now in its 10th year, is just the shot in the arm many of these struggling non-profits need right now. Time, energy and enthusiasm are a powerful force and there’s an abundance of that today, in spite of what’s been an emotionally draining week. The anniversary events commemorating the tragedies of Sept. 11 have zapped us all. But, there’s nothing like rolling up your sleeves and helping someone else to re-energize your soul. This year, each project will honor a life lost in last year’s attacks in an effort coordinated through the Points of Light Foundation and Volunteer Center National Network, designed around the theme "remember, respond and rebuild."

At the end of the day, as 1,300 weary bodies pack up and head home, they’ll surely take with them much more than they’ve given.

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