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United Way 211 Portage
Ravenna (May 21, 2007) - Last week seventy-six employees of Portage County-based businesses rolled up their sleeves and pitched in to assist local social service agencies with a variety of projects during United Way of Portage County’s Day’s of Caring. Days of Caring is an annual volunteer event that gives area companies’ employees a hands-on opportunity to help United Way’s agencies while getting a glimpse of how the organizations operate. Each year, local agencies contact United Way of Portage County to outline tasks with which they need assistance. Area employers receive the requests and interested employees volunteer for a half-day of service at one of the work sites. United Way’s Gloria Prendergast, who helps coordinate the annual event, said that Days of Caring gives social service agencies the opportunity to showcase the services they provide to the community, while giving employees and businesses a chance to gain an appreciation of the impact the services have on those in need in Portage County.” This year, participants cleaned, painted, raked, planted grass, spread mulch, stocked groceries at food pantries, sorted donated clothing, served lunch at hot meal sites, and read books and played games with children as part of the event. “It’s a great thing”, said Mary Jo Cline from Ametek, who has participated in the “Days of Caring” for the past 14 years, “I love how every year we get new people involved and they become aware of what agencies are doing in Portage County; and how many people need help. It’s great to see and hear their reactions.” The enthusiastic teams of workers accomplished a great deal in a short time. By all accounts, they enjoyed both the change of pace and the knowledge that they were making a difference. Prendergast notes: “We appreciate the great effort put forth by area companies and their teams of employees who help out. In return, the volunteers received many expressions of gratitude from the agencies served.” Programs receiving a helping hand during Days of Caring included: The Salvation Army, Kent Social Services, Townhall II, the American Red Cross, Portage Private Industry: Head Start sites in Streetsboro and Ravenna, the County Clothing Center, the Boy Scouts (Camp Chickagami), Coleman Adult Day Services, Family & Community Services, The Boys & Girls Club and the King-Kennedy Center. Employees of the following companies participated in the event: Ametek Electromechanical Group; Cosar Mold; Deluxe Corporation; Huntington National Bank; Portage Community Bank; Kent Office of Cutler Real Estate; Robinson Memorial Hospital; and Sky Bank. Thanks to all of the volunteers for doing such a great job. United Way encourages area residents to give back to the community by volunteering. Those interested can contact United Way 211 Portage (formerly First Call for Help). Many social service agencies accept volunteers for a day or a week, and can use assistance with a variety of tasks. Please call 211 Portage at 2-1-1, or at 330-297-4636 or 800-961-0191. For further information about United Way of Portage County, or to make a donation, please call 330-297-1424, extension 110, or visit www.uwportage.org. |
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