Projects and volunteers needed for Days of Caring

The United Way of Southeast Missouri and the Volunteer Intergenerational Center (VIC) are again collaborating to host the 2004 Days of Caring. This annual event is an opportunity for the business community to encourage volunteerism among their employees by assisting community agencies with volunteer projects. This year's event will run Monday, Sept. 20 through Saturday, Sept. 25.

This event gives the community a better understanding of how agency programs are affecting people's lives as well as demonstrates how volunteering can make a positive impact on community problems, according to Marla Mills of the local United Way. Benefits reaped by employees that participate are that they feel good about themselves for helping the community and feel good about the company for allowing them to help.

Currently, volunteer projects are being sought from non-profit agencies and organizations in Cape Girardeau, Jackson and Scott City who are in need of volunteer assistance. This is a good opportunity for agencies to work on special projects with the help of additional volunteers, says Mills.

Examples of projects in the past include painting, after school tutoring, organizing food pantries, cleaning up camps or parks, serving or delivering meals to seniors, park clean up, and providing minor home repairs for the elderly. Projects need to be submitted by Aug. 20.

After the projects have been determined, volunteers are needed to complete them. These projects offer rewards to both the agencies and the volunteers. It is a great way to connect resources to community needs and to encourage ongoing volunteerism in our community. Volunteers and volunteer groups need to sign up by Sept. 3.

The Cape Chamber is promoting this through Shape Up Cape -- giving extra points to teams who volunteer. The Jackson Chamber is promoting it as well.

Agencies that are interested in providing a volunteer opportunity or businesses or individuals wishing to participate as a volunteer during the week of Days of Caring should contact VIC at 887-3664 or the United Way of Southeast Missouri office at 334-9634.