United Way looks for volunteers for Days of Caring

A year ago, some Southeast Missouri State University students helped educate elderly residents about disaster preparedness, Procter & Gamble employees painted the inside of the Cape Girardeau Boys and Girls Club, and a several Target employees volunteered with the American Red Cross to paint offices.

Altogether, more than 250 volunteers participated in the Area Wide United Way's Days of Caring during the program's second year.

An increase in volunteers is hoped for during this year's fall event, as the Area Wide United Way and the University Center at Southeast Missouri State University will promote Days of Caring Sept. 27-28 to encourage volunteerism in local communities.

Days of Caring is a two-day event for volunteers to assist community agencies with various volunteer projects.

Through Days of Caring, volunteers of any age can help address needs in the local communities, said the United Way's Kathy Denton.

Organizers are putting together a list of volunteer projects, which will include painting, organizing food pantries and delivering meals to homebound residents.

"People involved in volunteerism are fulfilled in a way no other activity can provide," Denton said. "Through Days of Caring, not only will volunteers help meet the needs of agencies in our community, but the volunteer will receive rewards as volunteering creates happier, healthier lives."

Students who engage in a one-time volunteer service project often find a need within themselves to create a patter of services in their lives, said Gretchen Weber, University Center assistant director for student involvement.

"It enables them to learn about the community encourages civic responsibility and provides opportunities to apply classroom knowledge and explore career fields," she said.

There are numerous projects available in Jackson, Cape Girardeau and Scott City.

Additional information is available by calling Kathy Denton at the United Way, 334-9634, or Weber at Southeast, 651-2280.