Area businesses can get their hands dirty and help United Way

The United Way of Southeast Missouri and the Volunteer Intergenerational Center are putting together the annual Days of Caring, which focuses on getting business groups involved in the community. The event will run Sept. 19 through Sept. 23.

"We think it is a really good opportunity for people who work in business to see what's really happening," said Marla Mills, assistant director of the United Way of Southeast Missouri.

Days of Caring is an opportunity for local businesses to get to know what is going on outside the business community and encourage volunteerism among employees.

This year the United Way is teaming up with the Volunteer Intergenerational Center, which will assist in trying to schedule businesses with opportunities and allowing them to choose the volunteer activity they want to participate in.

"We're helping collaborate with this to get people interested in the projects from all the different agencies throughout Cape County, Scott City and Perryville so that the business people that work in the community can get to know the agencies better," said Tina Dohogne.

Dohogne said Days of Caring is a chance for businesses to get their hands dirty. Businesses find out what local agencies do and what clients they serve.

Mary Hiler said her company, Nordenia, has participated in the past and plans to take part again this year.

She sent an e-mail to employees on Thursday and already has one volunteer in addition to those in the her own department.

"I think we'll have support," Hiler said.

Days of Caring is the volunteer part of the United Way's annual fall campaign. The proceeds fund 32 local agencies such as Boy and Girl Scouts of America, Boys and Girls Clubs, Big Brothers Big Sisters and various other local organizations in addition to a school fund and a cancer fund.