Agencies encourage volunteerism through 2003 Days of Caring

The Area Wide United Way, Southeast Missouri State University and the Volunteer Intergenerational Center (VIC) are collaborating on the 2003 Days of Caring. This annual event is an opportunity for volunteers to assist community agencies with volunteer projects. This year's event will be held Sept. 22 to 27.

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

Past projects include painting, organizing food pantries, cleaning up camps and delivering meals to the homebound. Suggestions for special events include youth fishing trips, tutoring, cleaning up the environment or assisting with softball games and other sports activities.

The event connects resources to community needs, and 2003 Days of Caring is another way to encourage ongoing voluteerism in the community.

Individuals wishing to volunteer or agencies with available volunteer opportunities from Sept. 22 to 27 should contact VIC at (573) 887-3664, the Area Wide United Way office at 334-9634 or Gretchen Weber at Southeast Missouri State University at 651-2280.