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United Way of Southwest Alabama / Uncategorized  / United Way Holds 20th Annual Day of Caring

United Way Holds 20th Annual Day of Caring

Volunteers gathered at VIA Health, Fitness, and Enrichment Center Friday morning to kick-off United Way of Southwest Alabama’s 20th Day of Caring, held each year during National Volunteer Week.

More than 500 employees from 40 local companies participated in the region’s largest single day of volunteerism by spending a work day improving their community. The volunteers worked on 32 projects throughout Mobile, Clarke, and Washington counties at 23 UWSWA partner agencies.

Don Keeler, UWSWA’s 2014 Campaign Chair Vice President of Human Resources for Austal, expressed that he was thankful for the various companies who allowed their employees to spend a work day participating in this year’s event. “We are grateful that so many companies recognize the importance of giving one’s time and skills to help improve our community,” said Keeler. “This day is truly an event that could not occur if it weren’t for the hundreds of volunteers who give one day to help another.”

Day of Caring is also an opportunity for the employees who support UWSWA to visit the locations of partner agencies. “The volunteers get to experience first-hand where their money is going and hear the stories of those whose lives have been impacted as a result,” said Alan H. Turner II, UWSWA’s President and CEO. “Many volunteers mention that this day, despite all the hard work, is rewarding and life-changing. It’s a day that many of them look forward to each year and several are already excited about next year’s Day of Caring.”

Volunteers wore an event t-shirt designed by Spring Hill College (SHC) student Raleigh Downs. Downs was one of six SHC graphic design students to participate in the t-shirt design contest. “I wanted something to reflect what the United Way of Southwest Alabama stands for,” Downs said in regards to the inspiration for her tree composed of fingerprints. “I came up with the idea of everyone putting their mark on the community and the world. That was the inspiration for the fingerprints. Even though the fingerprints are individually unique, together they can Live United in the world.”

This year’s Day of Caring was sponsored by: Airbus, BASF, Morgan Stanley Smith Barney, Olin, PNC Bank, Sam’s Club, and Thames Batre’.