Letter to the Editor

United Way thanks Day of Caring participants

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

To the Editor:

Approximately 300 volunteers teamed up for good on Friday and Saturday Aug. 26 and 27. Participants in the United Way of Putnam County's annual Day of Caring trekked across the country to serve at various sites. Much work was completed, and such a significant impact could not have been made without the exceptional efforts of these individuals.

Our partnership with DePauw University allowed us to involve many student volunteers. Through this partnership, DePauw freshman and upperclassmen worked alongside other county residents to improve the community of which we all are a part.

Volunteers were dispersed among seven sites: Cingergy MetroNet parking lot, Camp Friend, Hope Haven Horse Farm, the Humane Society of Putnam County, Putnam County Family Support Services and the Southside Community Center.

They completed a wide variety of tasks, ranging from rebuilding and repairing horse shelters that had been damaged by the ice storms last winter at Hope Haven to pulling weeds at the Cinergy MetroNet parking lot to cleaning the shelter and bathing dogs at the Humane Society to miscellaneous tasks required to prepare the Southside Community Center for the Crown Street Music Fest.

The United Way of Putnam County would also like to acknowledge the preparations made by the agencies and organizations that provided projects and on-site coordinators who managed volunteers. We could not make Day of Caring happen without them. The commitment of these agencies, organizations and individuals allowed us to host a smoothly run Day of Caring during which much was accomplished.

Finally, we would like to thank Papa John's and Domino's for food. The donated pizza and sandwiches fed our hungry volunteers, and it was much appreciated. We would also like to thank English Farms for the donation of water. On such a hot day, it was necessary that our volunteers and site coordinators stay hydrated. Thanks to all three for your donations.

Each year at Day of Caring, we are reminded that volunteerism is a key part of the United Way's overarching goals. On behalf of the United Way f Putnam County, I would like to sincerely thank all of the dedicated agencies, site coordinators, volunteers, sponsors and donors who participated in this year's event.

Ellen Funke, Intern

United Way of Putnam County